Forensic Entomology

An IntroductionBiol450

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An Introduction to Forensic Entomology

• What is forensic entomology?• What are the stages of decomposition?• What are some of the key players?

What is forensic entomology?

• Forensic entomology is the use of insects, or arthropods, to investigate legal cases.

• Can involve both human and wildlife cases• Cases can be related to untimely deaths, neglect, and foul

play• Can help pinpoint time of death, and location• Can also be associated with grain industry and food cases

http://natagri.ufs.ac.za/dl/userfiles/Images/00003/2123_eng.jpg

What are the stages of decomposition?

• 5 stages:– Fresh– Bloat– Active Decay– Advanced Decay– Dry/Skeletal

• Stages of Colonization– Allows for time of death calculations – Post mortem intervals (PMI)

http://www.nhm.ac.uk/resources/research-curation/consulting/flash-image-faders/forensic-entomology/images/calliphora-larvae.jpg

Colonization

Blowflies

Flesh flies

Predaceous flies

Rove beetles

Carrion Beetles

Carpet Beetles

Lepidoptera

TimeCourtesy of Nancy Ostiguy

Mel Bishop 2007

Blow flies

Predatory flies

Rove Beetles

Carrion beetles

Carpet beetles

Clothes mothsFlesh fliesCourtesy of Dr Ke Chung Kim

Eggs…

Courtesy of Dr Ke Chung Kim

Young maggots

Courtesy of Dr Ke Chung Kim

Older maggots

Courtesy of Dr Ke Chung Kim

Maggot mass

Courtesy of Dr Ke Chung Kim

Field Studies• Collection and analysis from field

Courtesy of Dr Ke Chung Kim

Collection

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Summary

• Forensic Entomology• Decomposition• Colonization• Future Classes

• Forensic Science majorhttp://www.forensics.psu.edu/