1. Collection, Preservation and Rearing of Insect Samples February 27, 2008

2. The Entomologist at the Crime Scene Should be at scene with initial investigation team Should have access to autopsy Request scene photos Proper collection kit

3. Collection kit Net Vials and Kill Jars Forceps and small paint brushes Live specimen containers, foil, vermiculite, and food Labels (adhesive and non-adhesive) #2 graphite pencil Hand trowel or garden spade Thermometers Camera Ruler Preservation and collection chemicals (Ethyl alcohol ethyl acetate) Small backpacking stove or other heat source and Beaker, Water Paper towels Disposable gloves Sifting screens Death scene form

4. Scene Observations and Weather Data Observations of the scene (use death scene form) General habitat/location of body Sun, shade, vegetation, proximity to doors/windows (esp. if open) Insects and stages, locations Vertebral scavenging Predation of insects Possible insect artifacts on body

5. Collection of meteorological data at the scene Ambient air temperature (approx. chest height) Maggot mass temperature Ground surface temperature Between body and ground Soil under body Max/min daily temperatures at scene for 3-5 days

6. Weather data Approx. 2 weeks before--3-5 days after discovery Nearest weather station Max and min daily temperatures Rainfall

7. Insect collection at the scene: From the Body Adults first Pinned/in alcohol Label correctly--inside and out Use pencil only Larval Collection Largest most important 50-60 preserved, others live for rearing Representative sample of everything Geographical Location Date/hour of collection Case # Location on Body Name of Collector

8. Insect collection at the scene: Around the body Exam area around in body Concentric circles Soil samples Beneath body esp. near maggot mass Litter Samples

9. Insect collection at Autopsy May find different stages Clothing, body bag, other areas of bodies Take into account cooling

11. Identification and Rearing Identify largest insects first Maggots may be hard to identify Rear out live insects to identify adults Estimate degree days

12. Larvae Identification Larvae look similar Easiest to identify 3rd instar Spiracles, mouth hooks Larger, easier to see 1st and 2nd instar: 2 spiracle slits 3rd instar: 3 spiracle slits

13. Larvae Identification Mouth hooks Spiracles Move by extension/contraction of body Change slightly each instar PS: pharyngeal sclerite DC: dorsal lobes of PC VC: ventral cornua of PC HS: hypostomal sclerite MS: mandibular sclerite DS: dental sclerite MH: mouth hook DO: external dorsal sensory organs Muscid PhormiaLucillia

14. PeritremeOuter slit Middle slit Inner slit Button

15. Identification and Rearing Identify largest insects first Maggots may be hard to identify Rear out live insects to identify adults Estimate degree days

17. Any Questions?