Trogidae (Coleoptera : Scarabaeoidea) in forensic entomology : occurrence of known and new species in Queensland, Australia

Abstract

During studies of necrophagous insect succession in pig carcases that were used as surrogates for human corpses, Trogidae were found to be fairly common at the carcases at a study site in south-east Queensland. During the identification of the species, one of the regular visitors to the carcases was found to be undescribed (Omorgus (Omorgus) bachorum sp. nov.). It is described in this paper. Also, while comparing the undescribed species to that of specimens in the Queensland Museum collection, another undescribed species was discovered, which is also described in this paper (Omorgus (Omorgus) undaraensis sp. nov.). One new synonym, Omorgus incognitus Strümpher & Scholtz, 2011 syn. nov., is also proposed; bringing the total number of Australian species of Omorgus Erichson, 1847 to 57.