Forensic Entomology

Forensic entomology

The application of the study of insects and other arthropods to legal issues.

Carrion feeders

Animal that feeds partly or wholly on the bodies of dead animals.

Somatic death

Occurs when an organism is no longer an animated individual with organ systems working together as an organism.

Cellular death

When cells quit performing respiration and metabolism.

Respiration (cellular respiration)

The process in which cells use oxygen to produce energy (ATP), giving off carbon dioxide as a waste product.

Rigor mortis

When chemical reactions that occur during decomposition lead to a stage of constant muscle contraction. Occurs sometime during the first 36 hours after death, depending on temperature and other environmental conditions.

Initial decay

First stage of death, when the cadaver appears fresh externally but is decomposing internally due to the activities of microorganisms present in organism before death.

Putrefaction

Second stage of death when a cadaver is swollen by gas produced internally, accompanied by odor of decay. Rigor mortis occurs in this stage.

Black putrefaction

The third stage of death in which the flesh is of a creamy consistency with exposed parts black. Body collapses as gas escapes. Odor of decay very strong.

Butyric fermentation

The fourth stage of death when the cadaver is drying out. Some flesh remains at first, and a cheesy odor develops.

Dry decay

Fifth stage of death, when the cadaver is almost dry and the rate of decay is slow.

Necrophagous

Organisms that feed on carrion/corpses/dead flesh.

Degree-day

Equal to one degree of average temperature above the base temperature of the insect species in question, for 1 day.

Base temperature

The lowest temperature an insect can exist at before development ceases.

Entomotoxicology

A process that analyzes insects found at a crime scene in a corpse to determine whether toxins were present in the corpse.