This document discusses the use of insects in estimating time of death and their role in forensic investigations. It begins by outlining the history of forensic entomology from its discoveries in the 17th century. Different types of insects, like flies and beetles, arrive at a body at different times post-mortem and under varying environmental conditions, allowing investigators to estimate time since death. Proper collection and documentation of insect evidence is also discussed. The document concludes by noting the diversity of contexts in which forensic entomology can provide insights, such as cases of abuse, accidents, or toxicology.
2. From the Beginning
First discovered by Francesco Redi (17th Century)
Exposed vs. Unexposed Meat
Spontaneous Generation Theory
3. Insects at the Crime Scene
Flies vs. Beetles
Blow Flies and Flesh Flies are first to inhabit a
body (Calliphoridae and Sarcophagidae)
(Sexton beetle)
4. Weather and Observations of Body
Sun vs. Shade
Position of Body
Inside vs. Outside
Maggot Mass Temperature
Air Temperature
Soil Temperature
5. Collection of Bugs
First appeared bugs are captured first (very fast
retrievers)
Ethyl Acetate to immobilize bugs (75%)
Properly label bugs (graphite only)
6. Estimating Time of Death
PMI (Post Mortem Interval)
Identifying types of species of insects Rate of
development
Tampering with the results: season, temperature, sun
exposure, etc.
7. Sequence of Insect Arrival
1st Responders=Blow Flies which are attracted to
the foul odor (several hours after death)
2nd Responders=Flesh Flies appear directly after or
at the same time as Blow Flies
Under certain weather conditions, the Flesh Fly will
appear first since they can fly during rainfall.
12. Work Cited
Briscoe, T. S. (n.d.). Crime and Forensic Blog | The National Museum of Crime and Punishment.
Washington D.C. Museum - Crime Museum. Retrieved April 1, 2013, from
http://www.crimemuseum.org/blog/category/forensic-science/
Champion, D. J. (n.d.). The American Dictionary Of Criminal Justice: Key Terms And Major Court Cases
- Dean J. Champion - Google Books. Google Books. Retrieved April 1, 2013, from
http://books.google.com/books?id=w5_jF7YIPzYC&pg=PA104&lpg=PA104&dq=en
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Domain Names, Web Hosting and Online Marketing Services | Network Solutions. (n.d.). Domain
Names, Web Hosting and Online Marketing Services | Network Solutions. Retrieved
April 1, 2013, from http://www.forensic-ent.com/
Entomotoxicology | DeepDyve. (n.d.). DeepDyve - The simplest way to get the articles you need.
Retrieved April 1, 2013, from
http://www.deepdyve.com/lp/elsevier/entomotoxicology-eZP2FeeYG7/1
Forensic entomology. (n.d.). Forensic entomology. Retrieved April 1, 2013, from
http://www.forensicentomology.com/definition.htm