Forensic Entomology

1. Forensic Entomology • Involves the study of insects on decomposed bodies in order to determine the elapsed time since death.

2. Forensic Entomology •   The broad field of forensic entomology is commonly broken down into three general areas: • 1.medicolegal • 2.urban • 3.stored product pests. 

3. Ways forensic entomology is used • Can tell if body has been moved from one site to another. • Body has been disturbed after death • Position and presence of wound sites • Drug identification • Determine length of time of neglect • Abuse cases

4. Common types of insects • Common larvae or “maggots” • Typical early arrivers to a cadaver • Found in almost all states

5. Common types of insects • Cockroaches • species are capable of producing postmortem damage to human skin that resembles abrasions or chemical burns.   • In many cases these abrasions appear as small pits in the skin. • Additionally, roaches often consume human hair, and may frequently remove entire hair shafts during their feeding.

6. Common insects • Flesh fly is a common insect found on many cadavers in the early stages of decomposition.

7. Common insects • Beetle larvae • Larvae such as these are typically found later in the stages of insect succession, after the early arriving flies. 

8. How diverse is forensic entomology? Here are a few examples: The diverse applications of forensic entomology include the detection of abuse in children and neglect of the elderly. 

9. Examples of uses of forensic entomology • Published cases exist that detail parents intentionally using wasps and bees to sting their children as a form of punishment. • Analysis of remains of insects that have impacted and lodged on the windshield and radiators of automobiles can yield evidence to the probable path of an automobile through particular areas when pinpointing the location and areas of travel are of unique importance.

10. INSECTS ARE EVIDENCE! Forensic entomology is a very useful method of determining elapsed time since death after 72 h. It is accurate to a day or less, or a range of days, and may be the only method available to determine elapsed time since death. It is vital that the insects are collected properly and its accuracy depends on this and on suitable conditions for insects.