Abstract
Forensic Entomology is the study of the application of insects/arthropods in criminal investigations. The coded language of insects has been effectively decoded and used by Forensic Entomologists in solving homicidal cases. Forensic Entomologist can help to establish the post-mortem interval (PMI) of a body, geographic location of death, site of trauma and if the death has occurred due to poisoning or drug overdose. There are two ways of using insects in solving death cases: (a) Deciphering maggot age and development, (b) Insect faunal succession during different stages of decomposition. Calliphoridae (Blow flies), Sarcophagidae (Flesh flies) and Muscidae (House flies) of order Diptera (true flies) are the predominant species involved in forensic investigations. These flies possess the capability of finding a dead body within minutes following death. The flies immediately oviposit/larviposit on the carcass and larvae hatch within 12–24 h depending upon the temperature of the death scene. The larvae of these flies are voracious feeders and possess the capacity as well as capability to consume a carcass in less than a week. The close association of these immature stages on a carcass, their development rates are tapped by the forensic experts to solve homicidal cases. The carcass during decomposition undergoes rapid physical, chemical and biological changes, and attract varied groups of insects. Certain species prefer the carcass during early period of decomposition, like the true flies, some prefer the dead body during its decay or dry stage (beetles, ants) and some arrive to feed on insects present on the corpse. Therefore, with the knowledge about regional insect fauna, their succession pattern of colonization, the insect assemblage on carrion is used by an expert to calculate the minimum time since death. Besides, different groups of insect species assemblages are found on decomposing carcass in different habitats and environments. Apart from calculating Post-Mortem Interval (PMI), with the knowledge of geographical distribution of insect species, an expert can determine whether the body has been moved from one geographic location to the other. Furthermore, the insect larval forms found on a carcass could be tested for death due to drugs or poisoning as the larvae feed on flesh and accumulate drugs ingested by a deceased person. Forensic Entomology is a fast-emerging field in forensic sciences and has become an added tool in legal investigations in the developed countries. Considering the applicability of this field, it becomes imperative that this branch of forensic sciences should be encouraged, popularized, and recognised in the developing countries as well.
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Bharti, M., Singh, D. (2023). Insects in Forensic Investigations. In: Omkar (eds) Insects as Service Providers. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-3406-3_7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-3406-3_7
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