Decomposition dynamics: the influence of anthropogenic disturbance on organic matter degradation by sarcosaprophagous flies.

Abstract

Sarcosaprophagous flies are essential for the degradation of organic matter and nutrient cycling, which are critical for ecosystem health. This study assesses how anthropization influences fly assemblage diversity, abundance, and their role in organic matter degradation across different areas. Three types of substrates were used: raw chicken viscera (CV), cow dung (CD), and cooked noodles with raw eggs (NE), in areas with low (LA) and high (HA) anthropization. In each area, 5 baited traps per substrate, which allowed fly entry, and 3 unexposed controls were set. The experiment was conducted 3 times, totaling 90 baited traps and 36 controls. Flies that emerged were collected on day 21. Substrate weights were recorded at the start and end of each trial. The highest abundance of species that emerged was observed in CV-HA, while the greatest species richness was recorded in CV-LA. Significant differences in fly assemblages were observed between areas. Greater degradation of CV was recorded in HA, whereas CD showed a significant difference with control traps only in LA. Substrate degradation was positively related with fly abundance in CV-HA, and with both fly abundance and species richness in CD-LA. This study highlights the pivotal role that sarcosaprophagous flies play in organic matter decomposition, health risks related to organic waste accumulation, and nutrient cycling across anthropogenically altered environments, revealing significant variations in decomposition rates and the composition of fly assemblages. Also, we emphasize the potential of sarcosaprophagous flies as bioindicators for assessing anthropogenic impacts on ecosystems.