Forensic Science

What does an entomologist do?

• Entomology:  study of insects
• Entomologist:  uses insects and life cylces

What types of insects?

• Flies (Diptera)
• Beetles (Coleoptera)

What is species succession?

• Some species feed on fresh corpse
• Some feed on decaying older corpse

Blowfly Life Cycle

• Egg
• 3 Larva (instar) Stages
• Pupa
• Adult

Blowfly Life Cycle

• Egg to first larva stage 23 hrs
• 1st larva to 2nd larva 27 hrs
• 2nd larva to 3rd larva 22 hrs
• larva to pupa 130 hrs
• pupa to adult 143 hrs

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What is ADH?

• Temperature is a factor in insect development
• ADH:  Accumulated Degree Hours
• Can use Daily highs and lows
• Average temperature x hours = ADH
• Use for PMI

Insects of Death

• Carpet Beetles
• Rove Beetles
• Carrion Beetles
• Hister Beetles
• Black Scavenger Flies

Environmental Conditions

• Temperature
• Rain
• Exposure

Forensic Science