A Summary of Concepts, Procedures and Techniques Used by Forensic Entomologists and Proxies

Abstract

Forensic entomology is a branch of forensic science that incorporates insects as a part of solving crime. Insect-based evidence recovered at a crime scene can be used to estimate the minimum postmortem interval, determine if a carcass/corpse has been relocated, and contribute to the cause and manner of death. The current review summarises the stepwise usage of forensic entomology methods at a crime scene and in the laboratory, including specimen collection and rearing, identification, xenobiotic detection, documentation, and referencing previous research and casework. It also provides three standards for the collection of insects when attending a crime scene. The Gold standard attributes to a forensic entomologist (FE) who is likely to be well-trained attending a scene. The subsequent standards (Silver and Bronze) have been added because the authors believe that this information is currently missing in the literature. The purpose is so that an attending crime scene agent/proxy with some basic knowledge and some simple tools can recover almost all the insect information required by an FE to make the best estimation of the minimum postmortem interval.

Haemorrhagic Artefacts Produced by Ant Activity on Human Cadavers in the Early Post-Mortem Period

“…Another shortcoming of this study is the absence of ant collections associated with the cadavers, along with the unavailability of close-range photographs and written descriptions of the ant bites. However, recently released guidelines for forensic entomologists and their proxies (e.g., pathologist, law enforcement) [39] emphasise the crucial role of detailed documentation and analysis of insect activity in forensic investigations, enabling accurate identification, interpretation, and utilisation of entomological evidence in such contexts.…”

The Role of Histology in Forensic Investigations

“…Additionally, forensic entomology can assist in other aspects relevant to criminal investigations, such as determining the timing of neglect on humans or animals, identifying the primary location of the crime, and detecting the presence of toxicological substances in the remains (Byrd, & Tomberlin, 2020). Information is obtained through the identification and aging of the insect evidence, correlated with the environmental situation (Bambaradeniya et al, 2023). The identification and aging of insects are typically conducted by assessing specific morphological characteristics, and histological techniques can enhance this process.…”