1. Forensic Entomology

2. Why Are Insects Used in Forensic Science? In most seasons and environments, insects colonize a dead body almost immediately after deathIn most seasons and environments, insects colonize a dead body almost immediately after death Their rate of development and species dynamics over time can be used to accurately determine time since death.Their rate of development and species dynamics over time can be used to accurately determine time since death. After 72 hours, entomological evidence is the most accurate method to determine the elapsed time since death.After 72 hours, entomological evidence is the most accurate method to determine the elapsed time since death.

3. The History of Forensic Entomology 1 st recorded use: 13 th century China1 st recorded use: 13 th century China Became quite commonly used in Europe throughout the 20 th centuryBecame quite commonly used in Europe throughout the 20 th century Popularity increased in North America in the 1970’sPopularity increased in North America in the 1970’s Today: used quite extensively and commonly in homicide investigations.Today: used quite extensively and commonly in homicide investigations.

7. Determining Whether the Body Has Been Moved Insects can lay eggs on body at original scene and go unnoticed by killer.Insects can lay eggs on body at original scene and go unnoticed by killer. Some insects live in only rural or urban settings, and their presence on body proves body has been moved from original location.Some insects live in only rural or urban settings, and their presence on body proves body has been moved from original location.

8. Body Disturbance Killers often return to body, and if body has been disturbed the insects have also been disturbed. Entomologists can time since death and when the body was disturbed Disturbance timeline can help link suspects back to crime.

9. Wounds Presence and Position of Wounds Blow Flies lay eggs as close to wounds as possible on body. In advanced decomposition, atypical or irregular colonization patterns can indicate wound sites. Forensic Pathologist must be called in to identify a wound and what weapon caused it.

10. Linking Suspect to Scene Based on Locard’s Principle of Exchange.Based on Locard’s Principle of Exchange. Criminals often take entomological evidence from scene.Criminals often take entomological evidence from scene. Types of insect bites on suspect can prove presence at certain location.Types of insect bites on suspect can prove presence at certain location. Insects found on suspect can carry DNA or specific traits that match back to insects on victim or crime scene.Insects found on suspect can carry DNA or specific traits that match back to insects on victim or crime scene.

11. Drugs Insects feeding on human tissue absorb any unnatural substances like drugs and poisons.Insects feeding on human tissue absorb any unnatural substances like drugs and poisons. If toxicology on victim does not work, analysis of insects can identify toxin.If toxicology on victim does not work, analysis of insects can identify toxin. Drugs can impact insect development by speeding it up or slowing it down.Drugs can impact insect development by speeding it up or slowing it down. Toxins digested by Blow Fly are retained through all life stages.Toxins digested by Blow Fly are retained through all life stages.

12. Human and Animal Neglect or Abuse Insects living on a living human or animal do no damage, but help to clean wounds.Insects living on a living human or animal do no damage, but help to clean wounds. Presence of insects can show the length of abuse or neglect.Presence of insects can show the length of abuse or neglect. If insects colonized while victim was alive, it is difficult to tell after death.If insects colonized while victim was alive, it is difficult to tell after death.

13. Challenges to Forensic Entomology Temperature: Need temperature data to get a precise idea of insect development speedTemperature: Need temperature data to get a precise idea of insect development speed Season: Forensic entomology is only valuable during certain times of the year, when insects are presentSeason: Forensic entomology is only valuable during certain times of the year, when insects are present Exclusion of Insects: Freezing, burying or wrapping a body can prevent insects from colonizing it.Exclusion of Insects: Freezing, burying or wrapping a body can prevent insects from colonizing it.