Forensic Entomology

Entomology

The study of insects

An entomologist’s is used to determine the time of death range

Forensic Entomology

The study of insects in a legal context, used to determine time of death, body movement, wound locations, and potential poisoning.

Blowflies

Flies that rely on dead organisms to survive and are essential in forensic investigations for time of death estimation.

Life Cycle Stages of Maggots

Young larvae (instars) include: One slit—first instar, Two slits—second instar, Three slits—third instar (prepupae stage).

Accumulated Degree Hours (ADH)

A process to see how much the life cycle of insects has been affected by drugs or substances they consume.

Myiasis

Infestation of living human tissue by insects.

Successional Colonization

The process where other insects colonize a body after blowflies have left.

Chemical Cues and Odors

Signals from dead bodies that allow flies to locate them, usually within minutes from up to 1.6km away.

Conditions for Fly Access

Flies can access a body only if it's daytime, they can physically reach it, it's not winter, and the weather is favorable.

Factors Affecting Insect Development

Insects feeding on tissues absorb drugs that can impact their development cycle.

Importance of Crime Scene Insects

Insects found on the body can indicate whether the body was moved and assist in determining time and manner of death.

No Insects Possible Reasons

1) Killer took precautions to conceal the body; 2) Victim killed at night; 3) Body found immediately after death; 4) Adverse weather conditions; 5) Winter season.