1. Forensic Entomologist
Insects in Legal Investigations
Dani Tompkins

2. “Time Since Death”
Determine the postmortem interval (age of the insects present)
Based on the “Time Since Colonization”
Forensic Pathologist
Medical Examiner / Coroner

3. Techniques Species succession Larva weight Larva length
Accumulated Degree Hour Technique
Can determine movement (Larva eggs with indoor/outdoor, sunlight/shade)

4. Techniques Cont.
DNA of human blood can be recovered from the digestive tract of the insect
Suggest clues as to the sequence of postmortem events, as well as complete absence of insects
Freezing
Wrapping
Deep burying of bodies
Rape victims (bodily fluids, urine, fecal material

5. Toxicological Analysis
Insect’s appetite can quickly skeletonize the remains
Blood, urine, and other soft tissues can disappear quickly
Can determine drugs and toxins in human tissue prior to death

6. Beetle Larva The Sexton Beetle The Carrion Beetle
Commonly used in museums to clean bones
Found in the later stages of decay
The Sexton Beetle
Nocturnal and found under the body or in the soil during daylight
The Carrion Beetle
Found in the upper surfaces of the body

7. The Cockroach Larva/ Maggots The Flesh Fly
Postmortem damage to human skin that resembles abrasions or chemical burns
Remove hair shafts
Larva/ Maggots
Early stages of decomposition
Fecal material / gut remains
Survive in semi-aquatic areas
The Flesh Fly
Derive from maggots

8. the end