Table 1.

Decomposition–degradation states.

Decomposition–degradation state	Physical description	Cadaveric fauna
Fresh	Presence of soft tissues, from death to body inflammation due to bacterial fermentation. Indicators of the freshness of the carcass are the presence of fresh blood or the good condition of feathers that do not easily detach from the body	Flies and wasps were the initial colonizers of the carcasses, but also beetles, ants and eggs deposited in oral cavities, eyes, open wounds, or cloaca. First instar larvae can also be found
Emphysematous	From the beginning of inflammation caused by bacterial fermentation until body rupture due to pressure and superficial tissue decomposition. Carcasses are found swollen, and in some cases fresh blood is still present	Ants, beetles, and flies in adult stages, but also in egg stages. Increase of the proportion of larvae which are found at different stages and therefore of different sizes
Colicuative	Encompass from gas outlet until decomposition and disappearance of soft tissues. Little skin remains, and the bones and tendons are still moist. The feathers are in bad conditions or totally degraded in some parts	Higher proportion of beetles than in previous stages, and to a much lesser extent flies and ants. This is the most active phase of the larvae of necrophagous insects and thus, many larvae can be found in different stages (and sizes) and pupating individuals appear for the first time
Post-colicuative	The carcasses are hollow and mummified, with dried tissues, cartilages, and bones and some of the bigger feathers still present	Individuals in pupal stages and, to a lesser extent, in larvae stages. On some occasions, individuals of Diptera starting a new life cycle (adults, eggs and larvae) can be found
Skeletal reduction	Only bone remains are distinguishable, sometimes a few wing feathers	The cadaveric fauna significantly decreases at this stage. Flies disappear. Mainly beetles. Individuals in larval or pupal stages are rarely found. Mites and arachnids appear for the first time

For each state the physical changes are indicated, as well as the associated cadaveric fauna. See Appendix A for further information and photographs.