What process is characterized by the clustering of maggots on decomposing tissue?

The process characterized by the clustering of maggots on decomposing tissue is known as Maggot Masses. This phenomenon occurs during the decomposition phase of a body, where insects, particularly blowflies, lay their eggs on the decaying tissue. When these eggs hatch, the larvae (maggots) feed on the decomposing material, which can be substantial in quantity depending on the conditions and the state of the corpse.

Maggot masses not only assist in the breakdown of tissue but also generate heat, which can influence the rate of decomposition. Understanding this process is critical for death investigators, as the presence and stage of maggot masses can provide essential information regarding the post-mortem interval and the environmental conditions surrounding the death.

In contrast, mummification refers to the preservation of a body due to environmental conditions that significantly reduce decay, while adipocere formation involves the transformation of body fat into a waxy substance. Skeletonization, on the other hand, is the later stage of decomposition where only the skeletal remains are left. Therefore, identifying maggot masses is a key aspect of understanding the decomposition process and its implications in forensic investigations.