Forensic Entomology

Flashcards covering key concepts in forensic entomology.

What is entomology?

The study of insects.

What is forensic entomology?

The study of insects associated with a body.

What can be estimated using forensic parameters?

The elapsed time since death.

What does algor mortis refer to?

The cooling of the body.

What does rigor mortis refer to?

The stiffening of the body.

What does livor mortis refer to?

The coloration change of the body.

How soon after death can medical parameters be used?

In the first 24-48 hours after death.

What is the primary use of forensic entomology?

Estimating the time of death.

What can forensic entomology reveal about a body?

If the body has been moved or disturbed after death.

Who began modern forensic entomology and when?

Jean-Pierre Megnin in 1894.

What are the two common methods to estimate time since death using entomology?

Dipteran larval development and successional colonization of a body.

What stage of blowflies is significant for estimating minimum elapsed time since death?

The egg stage, larvae, and adult stage.

What influences the life cycle of blowflies?

Environmental factors such as temperature.

What is PMImin?

The minimum post-mortem interval based on blowfly lifecycle stages.

What are some factors that can affect insect colonization?

Environmental factors such as rain, burial, or wrapping of the body.

What does the absence of insects on a body indicate?

That it is too early in the year, too cold for colonization, or that the body has been at the scene for a very short time.

What does myiasis refer to?

Infestation of living tissue with diptera larvae.

How can insects be used to indicate drug use?

Insects feeding on decaying matter can ingest toxins present at the time of death.

What challenges are present in forensic entomology?

Temperature uncertainty, seasonal insect availability, and the need for specific regional data.