0 to 36 Hours: Initial decay The body starts to cool, and bacteria begin to digest the internal organs. Rigor mortis (body stiffening) starts in approximately 3 hours and subsides after 36 hours. The first insects arrive. Bloating begins at about three days.
	3 Days to 10 Days: Decay The body cavity inflates from the foul-smelling gases released by bacteria, bloating the body and attracting a wave of insects.
	10 days to 21 Days: Active Decay The body cavity has collapsed with a strong, decaying smell. Several generations of flesh-consuming insects are now present. The greatest percentage of biomass removal occurs during this time.
	3 Weeks to 7 Weeks: Advanced Decay The remaining soft tissue is removed, and the body starts to dry out. A foul odor, something like rancid butter, is caused by the formation of butyric acid. Beetles and other organisms are attracted to this smell.
Photos courtesy Manuel Castillo Miralbés	7 weeks +: Dry decay Decay is very slow. Mostly dry skin and bones remain.