The use of insects in forensic investigations: An overview on the scope of forensic entomology

Abstract

Forensic entomology is the study of insects/arthropods in criminal investigation. Right from the early stages insects are attracted to the decomposing body and may lay eggs in it. By studying the insect population and the developing larval stages, forensic scientists can estimate the postmortem index, any change in position of the corpse as well as the cause of death. Forensic odontologists are called upon more frequently to collaborate in criminal investigations and hence should be aware of the possibilities that forensic entomology have to offer and use it as an adjunct to the conventional means of forensic investigation.

Forensically important insects associated with the decomposition of mice carrion in Bangladesh

“…3) observed in the present study followed similar pattern observed by some researchers such as Joseph et al (2011) andSmith (1986). Joseph et al (2011) reported that the insects involved in the forensic investigations were true flies or Diptera. The predominant species in this order are Calliphoridae (blow flies), Sacrophagidae (flesh flies) and Muscidae (house flies).…”

“…Succession of insects on mice carrion: The sequence of insect succession (Fig. 3) observed in the present study followed similar pattern observed by some researchers such as Joseph et al (2011) andSmith (1986). Joseph et al (2011) reported that the insects involved in the forensic investigations were true flies or Diptera.…”

“…The insects found in a decomposing vertebrate corpse or carrion can be used to estimate the time of death i.e., time interval between death and corpse discovery, also called postmortem index (PMI), movement of the corpse, manner and cause of death and association of suspects at the death scene (Sukontason et al, 2007). This technique has become an important tool in criminal investigations (Joseph et al, 2011). Forensically-important insects also play a significant role in disposing of garbage, and they are the primary fauna associated with carrion (Goff and Odom, 1987;Payne, 1965;Tantawi et al, 1996).…”

Using DNA barcodes to identify forensically important species of Diptera in Espírito Santo State, Brazil

“…Forensic entomology is the study of insects and other arthropods to elucidate legal issues (Smith 1986;Catts and Goff 1992;Joseph et al, 2011). In this context, the major groups of forensic relevant insects are represented by Diptera and Coleoptera orders (Pujol-Luz and Arantes 2008), which are commonly known as flies and beetles, respectively.…”

Untitled

“…The best methods for determination of PMI are the accumulated degree day (ADD) and the accumulated degree hours (ADH)and are based on measurements of temperature [10][11][12][13]. It is not possible for a forensic entomologist to determine PMI without data about temperature [14,15]. The study has several aims.…”