Why do dead bugs and mice ‘stiffen up’ in specific positions where as other dead animals simply go limp?

Question

Why do dead bugs and mice ‘stiffen up’ in specific positions where as other dead animals simply go limp?

In: Biology

Answer 1

So insects are an entirely different matter and i do not know enough about them to help. However you are mistaken, dead animals do not simply go limp. The animal dies and is indeed limp but then the body goes into rigor mortis. All animals do this it is a stiffening of the muscles that happens a couple hours after death and can last for 12 hours. Then the body will relax again.

I believe that the larger the animal the slower rigor mortis sets in, so it is possible you see it more with mice simply because they move more quickly through the death stages.