An Overview of Forensic Entomology By Robert Albury

There are three sub fields to Forensic Entomology Urban: this sub field deals with insects realties legal issues related to man-made structures. Stored-product: this sub field deals with insect damage of stored commodities. Mediocriminal: deals with the legal investigations of manly violent crimes.

Mediocirminal Entomology and its uses Mostly deals with with the pathological examination of human remains –Such as the determination of the time of death, post-mortem interval (PMI). –A limited understanding of cause of death. –Can be used to determine if the corpses was moved. –Insects can also be used in trace chemical analyze, know as Entomotoxicology.

How PMI is determined Uses both the type, live stage, and amount of insects and arthropods present. –The two main families used for this are Calliphoridae(blow flies) and Sarccophagidae (flesh flies) –This also requires a very detailed understanding not only the timing of an insects lifecycle but along with what they feed on

Cause of death Only can provide limited idea Based on the observation that Calliphoridae and Sarcophagidae prefer openings in the body, manly around the face.

Determination of if a corpses was moved Based off the idea that certain species have a limited range –That if a body is moved the species found on it may not match the area that is found –Also the level of colonization may not match for the PMI of the remains

Entomotoxicology Is the analyses of either maggots, empty puparid, or larval skin cast. –This is based on the idea of bioaccumulation of toxins –Only useful as a qualitative tool and not quantitative till rates of elimination are understood. –Certain chemical also have an effect on development and colonization and thus can effect determination of PMI

Conclusion Forensic Entomology especially the sub field of Mediocriminal is expanding field of study with interesting on going research.

A Cast of Characters Calliphoridae The Blow Fly Sarcophagidae The Flesh Fly

Work Cited Adams ZJO and MJR Hall Methods used for killing and preservation of blowfly larva, and their effect on PMI larval length. Forensic Science International 138, pg American Board of Forensic Entomology web page through the University of Missouri- Columbia. Available from: Accessed 2004 April 20 Burel B., B. Callet, V Hedouin and d. Gosset Files eggs: a new method for the estimation of short-term post-mortem interval? Forensic Science International 135, pg Intronam F., C.P. Campobusso, and M.L. Groff Entomotoxicology. Forensic Science International 120, pg Stærkeby, M Forensic Entomology Pages, International web page. Avail from: Accessed 2004 April 20