(FEY) Forensic Entomology Module Wrap Up

Module Wrap Up

Summary

Forensic Entomology is an important part of death investigations; it can provide clues about Post-Mortem Interval, toxicology and identify other locations such as primary crime scenes or where the victim or suspect may be from. The life cycle of various insects can be used to narrow down time since death estimates due to the predictable, temperature based pattern found in insect development. Insects can also be tested for traces of various toxins that may have been present in the decedent's body at the time of death. Some insects only occupy particular habitats or locations; finding an insect outside of its typical habitat is an indicator that the body may have been moved after death. While Forensic Entomology usually can only provide rough estimates and general clues, it often generates useful leads that can ultimately help to solve a case.

Forensic Entomology Review: Interactivity

[CC BY 4.0] UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED | IMAGES: LICENSED AND USED ACCORDING TO TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION