1. Forensic Entomology and Taxonomy Entomology 1

2. Forensic Entomology Refers to any aspect of the study of insects/arthropods and how they interact with legal matters –Taxonomy –Entomology –Pathology Largely ignored as a forensic tool - considered another disgusting aspect of death Contributions have been known to science for over 700 years Very specialized field - few experts –Only 62 experts recognized worldwide

3. Uses in Forensics To determine approximate time of death for advanced decomposition cases –Remember – legally requires a pathologist, not an entomologist Cases involving sudden death Traffic accidents with no immediately obvious cause Possible criminal misuse of insects

4. Fields of Forensic Entomology Medicocriminal –Criminal section – focuses on insects feeding on human remains Urban –Focuses on insects that affect man & their immediate environment (houses, etc.) Stored Products –Focuses on insect infestations in food & beverages

5. Scientific Aspects Noting successive colonization by a variety of species Identifying the developmental stages of found insects Geographic distribution of insect/arthropod species Can lead to location of death

6. History 1235 –Sung Tzu –Asked villagers to bring out their sickles after a slashing - flies were attracted to one of the sickles 1668 –Famous experiment showed that maggots did not “spring” from rotten meat 1855 –First time insects were used to determine an approximate time of death for a dead baby found behind a wall

7. History 1936 –Works published in the development of typical blow flies and flesh flies 1985 –Realized weather conditions greatly affected insect propagation 1986 –1 st forensic entomology text

8. Taxonomy Science of classifying living things into patterns Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778) –Swedish botanist –Designed 7 tiered system still in use today Originally based on physical characteristics –Now includes genetic links –Also originally included some mythical beasts

9. Linnaean Taxonomy Hierarchy –Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species –Also includes super, sub and infra levels Class Insecta ( important to forensics!) –Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda –Class: Insecta »Order Diptera »Order Coleoptera