Decomposition and Arthropod Succession on Exposed Rabbit Carrion During Summer at High Altitudes in Colorado, USA

Six rabbit carcasses were exposed during summer at elevations ranging from 2,713 to 4,191 m in Colorado to determine decomposition rates and arthropod succession patterns. Biomass removal, bloat, and internal and ambient air temperatures were measured and the arthropod community was monitored during 51-d succession studies. A total of 53 taxa was collected (range, 8-36 taxa), with diversity apparently decreasing as a negative function of elevation. Extensive scavenging altered decomposition rates and arthropod succession. Rates and duration of biomass removal and bloating of carcasses were slowed and prolonged at higher elevations.