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Forensic etomology - Coggle Diagram
Forensic etomology
Stages of decomposition
Fresh
enzymes start breaking down cells
blow flies arrive and lay eggs
Body temperature begins to change
bloat stage
gases build up
body swells
increased insect activity
heat increases due to microbial and maggot activity
active decay
soft tissues break down rapidly
large numbers of maggots
strong odour
heat from maggots can raise body temp
Advanced decay
most soft tissue is gone
beetles become common
fewer maggots
dry remains
bones, hair and dry skin remain
few insects present
decomposition is nearly complete
Importance
estimate postmortem interval
determines time since death
uses insect development stages
Assist criminal investigations
supports forensic evidence
helps solve homicide cases
determine body movement
Detainee if body was relocated
compares insect species with the enviornment
detect neglect or abuse
child neglect
elder neglect
animal abuse
provide scientific evidence
supports court cases
corroborates other forensic findings
Common insects
Blow flies
first to arrive at the body
lay eggs in wounds and body openings
most important for estimating PMI
Flesh Flies
deposit live larvae
early colonisers
house flies
drive during decomposition
lay eggs on remains
beetles
feed on dry tissues
common in later stages
help estimate PMI
Ants & Wasps
feed on insects and body tissues
may alter decomposition and insect evidence
estimating postmortem interval
insect species
Identify the species present
different species develop at different rates
development stage
egg
larva
pupa
adult
insect succession
order of insect arrival
changes during decomposition
time since colonisation
age of the oldest insects
used to estimate the minimum PMI
environmental conditions
temperature
humidity
weather
Applications
Criminal investigations
Homicide cases
suspicious deaths
crime scene analysis
estimating time since death
insect age
development stage
species identification
Body movement
Detect if the body was relocated
compare insect species with the environment
Neglect & abuse cases
child neglect
elder abuse
animal neglect
wildlife investigations
Poaching cases
illegal wildlife trade
animal death investigations
Insect life cycle
Egg
laid on body openings or wounds
hatches within hours to days
Larva (Maggot)
1st instar & 2nd & 3rd
Feeds on body tissues
Pupa
forms a protective case
transforms into adult
adult
emerges from pupa
mates
lays egg to begin the cycle again
definition
Study of insects associated with legal investigations
Primarily used in criminal investigations
helps estimate time since death (Postmortem interval - PMI )
Branches of Forensic Entomology
Medicolegal entomology
death investigations
estimation of postmortem interval
homicide investigation
neglect abuse cases
stored product entomology
food contamination
stored grain pests
food quality control
commercial pest investigations
urban entomology
Household pest infestations
structural damage
landlord-tenant disputes
public health issues