1. Collecting & Preserving
at scene, by non-entomologists

2. Investigators do not disturb insects limit # of people near body
easy to disturb evidence
begin several feet from body
determine types of insects and development stages

3. measure distances from body
assess current weather data
check weather at scene & days before discovery
collect samples of all insect stages on, near, under body
at lab, raise insects under conditions similar to death scene

4. temp, humidity, precipitation,
light, wind
windows, doors - open or closed?
- all affect progress of life cycle and PMI calculations

5. completes a forensic entomology data form
  - insect #s and types
  - body positions
  - location of eggs, larvae, and pupae on body
  - other insects, opportunistic feeders
  - insect movements
  - natural & artificial influences

7. Factors Affecting Insect Activity
4 habitats:
1. Natural environment & natural light
2. Natural environment & artificial light
3. Artificial environment & natural light
4. Artificial environment & artificial light

8. Factors Affecting Insect Activity
higher temp, faster metamorphosis
so, need several temp readings:
1. ambient air (1 ft and 4 ft above body)
2. soil (surface, 10 cm & 20 cm below surface)
3. center of infestation

9. Collection special techniques and materials
nets, jars, ethyl acetate to kill flies
pinned or preserved with 80% alcohol, 20% water solution
preserve eggs & larvae
vials - case #, collection time, date, geographic location, location of insects on body, investigator's initials - 2 labels