What is Entomology and how is it used in criminal investigations?

Forensic scientists now use Entomology in many criminal investigations particularly murder cases. Entomology is the study of insects and is a branch of zoology.

It’s often misunderstood that forensic entomologists are able to make an accurate estimate of a person's time of death. As a matter of fact, it is the medical pathologists that estimate time of death and not the forensic entomologist. All forensic entomologists can do is make a very precise estimate of post-mortem time through their expert understanding of the growth and lifespan of insects.

For each specific species of insects there a variety of different variables that can effect their growth. Studies have shown that in a perfect environment insects can grow at an astounding rate. Professional forensic entomologists create a baseline for insects development time in order for them to be able to estimate how long a dead body has been deceased. For instance, a colony of insects that have grown upon a corpse and possibly produced offspring, would give a specific time span.

Certain species of insects will feed on dead human tissue which will give an indication of time of death. For example, the Sarcophaga haemorrhoidalis or the flesh fly prefers the indoors and grows as it feeds. It also has the capacity to give live birth, which has generated theories on the spontaneous generation of life.

Forensic Science understands insects are now used to determine levels of toxicity due to drug use when no other source is present. When there is no blood, tissue or urine, insects are used to detect the presence of narcotics or other drugs.

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