1. Forensic Entomology An Introduction Biol450
An Introduction
Biol450

2. An Introduction to Forensic Entomology
What is forensic entomology?
What are the stages of decomposition?
What are some of the key players?

3. 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

4. What are the stages of decomposition?
Fresh
Bloat
Active Decay
Advanced Decay
Dry/Skeletal
Stages of Colonization
Allows for time of death calculations
Post mortem intervals (PMI)

5. Colonization Time Blowflies Flesh flies Predaceous flies
Carrion Beetles
Rove beetles
Carpet Beetles
Life cycle information can make this accurate to the HOUR!
Lepidoptera
Time
Courtesy of Nancy Ostiguy

6. Courtesy of Dr Ke Chung Kim
Blow flies
Carpet beetles
Predatory flies
Carrion beetles
Clothes moths-go after wool
Carpet beetles- that’s where they interfere with us, back when most carpets were wool
Mel Bishop 2007
Rove Beetles
Clothes moths
Flesh flies
Courtesy of Dr Ke Chung Kim

7. Eggs… Courtesy of Dr Ke Chung Kim
Lay the eggs, particularly in the wounded sections. If there is no wound, eyes, mouth, nose, etc. allow for entry.
Courtesy of Dr Ke Chung Kim

8. Young maggots Courtesy of Dr Ke Chung Kim
Young maggots consuming wet meaty material
Courtesy of Dr Ke Chung Kim

9. Older maggots
Courtesy of Dr Ke Chung Kim

10. Maggot mass Courtesy of Dr Ke Chung Kim
Just skin and bones at this time
Courtesy of Dr Ke Chung Kim

11. Field Studies Collection and analysis from field
Courtesy of Dr Ke Chung Kim

12. Collection

13. Summary Forensic Entomology Decomposition Colonization Future Classes
Forensic Science major