Forensic Entomology An Introduction Biol450 http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQjclpf39fua3S8EiCx4Qq5Ley_Zt0ylOJABgHSS1fcV5jewg2zyw An Introduction Biol450

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? 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 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

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

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

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

Older maggots Courtesy of Dr Ke Chung Kim

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

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

Collection http://www.itsgov.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/forensic-entomology.jpg

Summary Forensic Entomology Decomposition Colonization Future Classes Forensic Science major http://www.forensics.psu.edu/