Entomology

Entomology is the branch of zoology concerned with the study of insects.

What is the purpose of Forensic Entomology?

Forensic Entomology is the use of insects and their arthropod relatives that inhabit decomposing remains to aid legal investigations.

Determining time of death using insects

Entomologist study the insects that are feeding on a body which can estimate the time elapsed since the person died. Different bugs arrive at the body at predictable times, pending on the current stage in the bugs life scientists can estimate how long the victim has been dead.

How can insects cause death?

Insects themselves can have a negative influence on people, resulting in death. Some insects can cause allergic reactions, others contain poisons which can be found in the larvae feeding on a corpse.

How do insects determine how long a body has been in one place?

Knowing the life cycles of the different insects, and the stages of decomposition when different insects populate dead bodies, can help to determine how long a body has laid in one place.

For example: “The first insects on bodies are usually flies, including houseflies. Different flies arrive at different stages – some are attracted to newly dead bodies, others will only arrive three to six months after death.”

-http://www.exploreforensics.co.uk/forensic-entomology.html

How can insects determine if a body has been moved?

If a certain type of insect is found on the body it can determine whether or not the body has been moved. For example: “If blowflies are found on a corpse which is in a closed environment, that could mean that the body might have been moved there after death.”

Sources:

http://www.forensicentomology.com/definition.htmhttp://www.sfu.museum/forensics/eng/pg_media-media_pg/entomologie-entomology/http://www.amentsoc.org/insects/insects-and-man/forensic-entomology.htmlhttp://www.exploreforensics.co.uk/forensic-entomology.html