Forensics Entomology

Forensic Entomology

The study of insects and their biology as it applies to criminal and civil legal matters

Song Tz'ŭ

First account of forensic entomology - The Washing Away of Wrongs 1235 AD - Solved slashing murder using flies, Villagers lay out sickles, flies on one

Bergeret 1855

First case using insects to determine PMI. Dead infant, found in a chimney behind fireplace mantle, Four Previous tenants, Two annual cycles of flies, Presence of moths, Child likely died 1848.

PMI

The period of time between death and discovery; in entomology. Now referred to as period of infestation

Period of Infestation

"he time interval between the first fly egg being laid on a body and the discovery of that body.

Minimum PMI

The minimum age of the oldest developmental stage of insect found on the decedent.

Infestations of Residences

Fleas

Cockroaches

Bed bugs

Maggot Infestations of Patients

Impossible to exclude flies from healthcare facilities

Maggot age vs. standards of care

Criminal Case Examples

Homicides and Suicides

Felony abuse, neglect

• Children

• Elderly

• Animals

Questions Most Frequently Asked

Who was present?

Origins or location of an event?

Why are insects not present?

Significance of a particular arthropod?

Why present?

Effects?

When did an event occur- Timing Responsibility for infestation??

PMI?

Fly Life cycle

Egg hatch

Maggot length

Maggot Stage (Intstar)

Pupation

Pupa Color

Fly Emerges (Eclosion)

Empty Pupa

Insect Development vs Temperature

As temperature increases, rate of development increases

Top-down Decomposition

A pattern of insect-mediated decay that typically begins with the head

Faunal Succession

The predictable pattern of change in the scavenger community structure over time as a body decomposes

Ecological Specificity

The specific environmental preferences of insects