Forensic Entomology and the Blowfly Life Cycle

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering forensic entomology, post-mortem insect succession, and the developmental stages and timing of the blowfly life cycle.

Forensic Entomology

The scientific study and practice of using insect evidence in crime investigations to determine information about time of death (TOD).

Forensic Entomologist

A specialist who observes and records environmental conditions around a corpse and collects insect evidence from on, above, and below the body to predict the time of death (TOD).

Blowfly

The initial type of insect to arrive at a warm corpse within minutes of death to lay eggs.

Blowfly Egg

The earliest life cycle stage of a blowfly, measuring $2\,\text{mm}$, white in color, lasting $1$ to $23\,\text{hours}$, and deposited in warm, moist areas such as the mouth, eyes, ears, and anus.

Instar 1

The first larval stage of a blowfly, measuring $5\,\text{mm}$, white in color, lasting $24$ to $27\,\text{hours}$, and characterized by black mouth hooks and one spiracle slit near the anus.

Instar 2

The second larval stage of a blowfly, measuring $10\,\text{mm}$, white in color, lasting $22$ to $24\,\text{hours}$, actively feeding, and possessing black mouth hooks and two spiracle slits near the anus.

Instar 3

The third larval stage of a blowfly, measuring $17\,\text{mm}$, white in color, lasting $130\,\text{hours}$ (approximately $5\,\text{days}$), covered in fat, and possessing black mouth hooks and three spiracle slits near the anus.

Blowfly Pupa

The non-feeding, immobile stage measuring $9\,\text{mm}$ that lasts several weeks, darkening from light brown to dark brown before the outer case splits open.

Adult Blowfly

The final stage of the blowfly life cycle, black or green in color, which emerges from the pupa case smaller than normal and with crumpled wings.

Maggot Trail

The mass migration of blowfly larvae away from a corpse to a dry location to pupate, typically occurring $6$ to $12\,\text{days}$ ($130\,\text{hours}$) after death.

Spiracle Slits

Openings located near the anus of blowfly maggots used to identify developmental instars, increasing from one slit in Instar 1, to two slits in Instar 2, and three slits in Instar 3.

Insect Succession

The orderly colonization of a decomposing corpse by different insect species over time, beginning with blowflies, followed by beetles, yellow jackets, and coffin flies.