Forensic Entomology

The study of insects associated with a dead body

Common Maggot species

How can forensic entomology be used?1. Can estimate the time elapsed since

death2. Can help determine whether a body

has been moved or otherwise disturbed after death

3. Can determine whether victim was poisoned or used drugs

4. Length of time of neglect or abuse in living victims

5. Can be involved in the investigation of wildlife crimes

Protocol for collecting insects Thorough protocol can be found

at http://www.forensicentomology.com/procedure.htm

Climate data is particularly important for interpretation

Example of weather’s influence on maturation rate

Usually forensic entomology is used to give a minimum time since death has occurred

Color and shape of confetti

Insect species Characteristics (Note: The times given here are true for the weather conditions found in Oahu during the time in question.)

Green heart

Eggs of the blow fly Protophormia terraenovae

Will hatch and no longer be eggs 36 hours after being deposited

Blue heart Larva of the blow fly P. terraenovae

Exist at least 2-8 days after death occurs

Green star Pupae of the blow fly P. terraenovae

Exist at least 8-15 days after death occurs

Red star Empty puparia of blow fly Presence indicates adult blow flies have already emerged and vacated the body. This takes at least 17 days.

Pink heart Larvae of a rove beetle Will appear 2 weeks after decomposition begins

Gold star Cheese skippers Will arrive no later than 1 week after death but after a month they will vacate the body to pupate in soil. Presence indicates that body has been decomposing less than 34 days.

Blue star Soldier flies Will not come onto body for at least 20 days. Age of these appears to be 9-11 days old