Volume: 5, 2026
5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: A041
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.A041
Published online: 22 April 2026
Insect colonization of submerged substrates and carcasses in a river habitat
Aleksandra Ziółek* and Monika Tarkowska-Kukuryk
Department of Hydrobiology and Protection of Ecosystems, University of Life Sciences, Dobrzańskiego 37 St., 20-262, Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: aleksandra.ziolek@up.edu.pl
Investigating the processes of decomposition and the dynamics of colonisation by aquatic macroinvertebrates is particularly important in forensic contexts, given the frequent recovery of human remains from freshwater environments. The aim of this study was to examine the qualitative and quantitative composition of macroinvertebrate assemblages colonising different types of substrates. Unwashed cotton T‑shirts represented natural substrates, while T‑shirts made of 100% polyester served as synthetic substrates. Six samples of each substrate type (24 in total) were placed in a river and a dam reservoir. A total of 248 aquatic insect larvae representing three major taxa—mayflies (Ephemeroptera), caddisflies (Trichoptera), and non‑biting midges (Chironomidae)—were collected from these substrates. Chironomidae larvae dominated all samples, regardless of substrate type, exposure time, or sampling site. Additionally, six rat carcasses were placed in nets near the riverbank, and six carcasses were placed in perforated plastic containers underwater for 30 days. The stages of decomposition were documented in accordance with established literature guidelines, and arthropod samples were collected for identification and enumeration. In total, 138 individuals of aquatic macrofauna were recorded, with crustaceans comprising the dominant group at 58%, mainly represented by Gammarus spp. These findings provide valuable data on the colonisation of aquatic insects and the processes of decomposition. They offer important forensic insights that may assist in reconstructing the circumstances surrounding the deposition of remains in aquatic environments.
Keywords: aquatic insects; decomposition; colonization pattern; forensic entomology
How to cite
Ziółek A., Tarkowska-Kukuryk M., 2026. Insect colonization of submerged substrates and carcasses in a river habitat. In: 5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.A041