D3150: Trust the guts: Preliminary survey of forensically important beetles in Vietnam

In recent years, interest and literature in forensic entomology has increased in South East Asia. Despite this, baseline records for the forensically important beetles in Vietnam are lacking. Forensic beetles can provide additional information when calculating post mortem interval, especially in later stages of decomposition. Vietnam’s biodiversity is important as it covers a large latitudinal gradient across South East Asia, allowing for comparison to its several surrounding countries. This study collected necrophorous beetles for 32 trap days covering the latitudinal gradient of Vietnam. Collection was performed using a combination of ranch fly traps baited with chicken entrails, found carrion, and light traps. Each trap location received an elevation measure to compare dominant species on an elevational gradient as well as a latitudinal one. Herein we provide preliminary faunistic data on forensically important beetles in Vietnam.