NIRMA UNIVERSITY INSTITUTE
OF LAW
B. COM. LL.B. (Hons.) Semester
VIII
“APPLICATION OF FORENSIC
ENTOMOLOGY IN CRIMINAL
INVESTIGATIONS”
FORENSIC SCIENCE
SUBJECT CODE – 2CRM844
Submitted To:
Ms. Medha Singh
Submitted By:
Dhwani Tandon
19BBL074
APPLICATION OF FORENSIC ENTOMOLOGY IN CRIMINAL
INVESTIGATION
ABSTRACT
Legal investigations are utilising knowledge of insects and other arthropods in the specialised field
of forensic entomology. In cases involving crimes, forensic investigators have discovered that this
field can be an effective tool for determining the exact time, location, and manner of fatalities. As
part of forensic entomology techniques, insects discovered at the crime scene are collected, their
life cycles are analysed, and their behaviour is studied. Using this information, one can identify
the post-mortem duration, the body's location, and even whether the victim's body had any drugs
or toxins.
One of the key advantages of forensic entomology is that it is non-invasive, collection insects does
not disturb or harm the crime scene or any relevant evidence, unlike other methods of evidence
collection such as DNA or fingerprint analysis. In addition, insects are easy to collect and are
widely dispersed, making them an important source of data in many different types of criminal
investigations.
Several case studies demonstrate the value of forensic entomology in criminal investigations. In
one case, certain fly larvae found on a victim's body helped detectives determine the victim's
approximate time of death, allowing them to catch the criminal and bring charges against him. In
another incident, the finding of bug evidence helped to confirm a suspected suicide, eliminating
any possibility of wrongdoing and giving solace to the victim's family.
As forensic entomology becomes increasingly well-known and significant, more research and
education will be needed to assure its success in the field of criminal investigation. In conclusion,
forensic entomology has proven to be an effective tool in criminal investigations, and its use is
likely to grow in the future.
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
Despite forensic entomology's growing importance and application in criminal investigations,
there are currently no established practises or guidelines for gathering and processing insect
evidence. Furthermore, forensic investigators in this specific field need further education and
training. These factors could lead to unpredictable outcomes and erode public confidence in
forensic entomology as a useful tool for criminal investigations. Thus, the issue needs to be
addressed through the development of standardised standards as well as enhanced education and
training in order to increase the precision and effectiveness of forensic entomology in criminal
investigations.
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
1. Role of entomology in forensic science1
The article "Role of entomology in forensic sciences" by Varatharajan and Sen, which appeared
in the Current Science journal in March 2000, emphasises the significance of forensic
entomology in the investigation of criminal cases. The authors discuss the various ways that
insects could aid investigators, including determining the time of death, locating the crime
scene, and identifying suspects.
According to the authors, insect presence and behaviour can provide clues about the postmortem interval, or the amount of time that has transpired after the victim went away. For
instance, certain fly species can be used to estimate the passing time because they are attracted
to a body within minutes of it passing away and their presence and developmental stages can
be used to gauge this. This information might be crucial for finding potential suspects and
shortening the time it takes for the crime to occur.
1
Varatharajan, R., & Sen, A. (2000). Role of entomology in forensic sciences. Current Science, 78(5), 544–545.
http://www.jstor.org/stable/24104079
Insects might also be able to identify the location of a crime scene. By studying insects found
on the body or in the immediate area, it is possible to pinpoint the area and environment where
an insect collection occurred. This information can be used by investigators to identify
potential crime sites or locations where the body may have been moved after dying away. The
authors also emphasise the need of correctly gathering and storing bug evidence in order to
obtain accurate results. They underline how important it is to standardise protocol and train
forensic investigators in the collection and analysis of insect evidence.
In the article's conclusion, it is emphasised how crucial forensic entomology is to criminal
investigations and how much more work needs to be done in this field in terms of ongoing
study and improvement. The authors argue that forensic investigations should routinely include
the use of insect evidence, and that for the criminal justice system to effectively use insect
evidence, there has to be greater public awareness and education.
2. Forensic Entomology for the Laboratory – Bases Biology Classroom2
The article "Forensic Entomology for the Laboratory-Based Biology Classroom" by Miller and
Naples, which appeared in The American Biology Teacher in February 2002, discusses the use
of forensic entomology as a tool for teaching biology in the classroom. The authors argue that
teaching students about forensic entomology can aid in their understanding of biological
concepts.
The authors address the basics of forensic entomology as well as the role of insects in forensic
investigations, such as their ability to pinpoint the time of death and the location of the crime
scene. The Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer cases are just two examples of case studies where
the use of bug evidence was put to use. These cases serve to illustrate the importance of
collecting and processing insect evidence accurately as well as how forensic entomology may
be used to help solve crimes. The authors also offer a step-by-step method for acquiring and
analysing insect evidence in a classroom setting. This offers instructions on how to collect and
preserve insect samples, identify different insect species, and utilise the knowledge to ascertain
when an insect died.
2
Miller, J. S., & Naples, V. L. (2002). Forensic Entomology for the Laboratory-Based Biology Classroom. The
American Biology Teacher, 64(2), 136–142. https://doi.org/10.2307/4451257
The usefulness of forensic entomology as a teaching tool in the classroom is highlighted in the
paper's conclusion. According to the authors, forensic entomology case studies could help
students understand biological concepts and sharpen their critical thinking skills. The writers
also emphasise the need of precisely collecting and assessing insect evidence as well as the
useful uses of forensic entomology in criminal investigations. This paper can be a useful
resource for instructors who want to include forensic entomology into their biology
programmes, to sum up.
3. Benthic organisms as forensic indicators3
The essay "Benthic Organisms as Forensic Indicators" by Keiper and Casamatta, which was
printed in the Journal of the North American Benthological Society in June 2001, examines the
potential use of benthic organisms as forensic indicators. The authors claim that the location
and timing of a death can be determined using benthic species like diatoms and algae as
evidence in court. The authors explore the core concepts of benthic forensic science as well as
the role of benthic animals in forensic investigations. They discuss how benthic invertebrates
may be used to determine the location and timing of a death by analysing the makeup of the
creatures found in water or sediment samples collected from the crime scene.
Furthermore, they provide case studies that demonstrate how to use benthic species as forensic
markers, such as the identification of a drowning victim and a body dumped in a river. The
authors also discuss the disadvantages of using benthic species as forensic indicators, such as
the possibility of contamination and the difficulty of interpreting the findings. They
recommend merging benthic forensic science with other forensic techniques to get a more
comprehensive picture of the crime scene. As a helpful resource for forensic scientists and
investigators, the study concludes by stressing the potential of benthic species as forensic
markers.
The authors argue that more research is required to fully understand the constraints and
potential of benthic forensic science and to establish consistent methods for collecting and
3
Keiper, J. B., & Casamatta, D. A. (2001). Benthic organisms as forensic indicators. Journal of the North American
Benthological Society, 20(2), 311–324. https://doi.org/10.2307/1468325
analysing benthic samples. This article expands the body of knowledge in the developing
subject of study of the use of biological evidence in forensic investigations.
4. Recreating Death’s Acre in the school yard: using pig carcasses as model
corpses, to teach concepts of forensic entomology and ecological succession4
The Schoenly et al. article "Recreating Death's Acre in the School Yard: Using Pig Carcasses
as Model Corpses, to Teach Concepts of Forensic Entomology & Ecological Succession"
published in The American Biology Teacher in September 2006 covers the use of pig carcasses
as model corpses for teaching forensic entomology and ecological succession in a school
setting.
The authors begin by defining "death's acre," the area affected by ecological succession
surrounding a deceased person. They go on to discuss how teaching students about the many
stages of decomposition and the role of insects during the process might be aided by utilising
pig carcasses as model corpses in the classroom. The essay goes into great detail about the
process of using pig corpses to build a death's acre in a schoolyard. The authors offer guidance
on how to prepare the corpses, set up a secure, easily accessible death's acre, and observe and
record the insects that reside on the corpses. The authors also provide examples of data from
their own research, such as information on the period of time and the types of insects that
invaded the carcasses.
The benefits of using pig carcasses as model corpses in the classroom are discussed by the
authors, including the connection to real forensic investigations and the chance for students to
participate in hands-on learning. They also discuss potential hazards and challenges associated
with the use of pig carcasses, such as moral concerns and the need for the appropriate
authorizations and disposal methods. The research indicates that pig carcasses can be used as
model corpses in the classroom to teach forensic entomology and ecological succession. The
authors of the essay provide teachers who are interested in using this strategy in their own
4
Kenneth G. Schoenly, Neal H. Haskell, David K. Mills, Carine Bieme-Ndi, Kristle Larsen, & Yer Lee. (2006).
Recreating Death’s Acre in the School Yard: Using Pig Carcasses as Model Corpses, to Teach Concepts of Forensic
Entomology & Ecological Succession. The American Biology Teacher, 68(7), 402–410.
https://doi.org/10.2307/4452028
classrooms with detailed instructions on how to do so, making it a valuable resource for
educators searching for innovative and engaging ways to teach science.
5. Insect Remains and their traces: relevant fossil witnesses in the
reconstruction of past funerary practices5
The 2014 Anthropologie article "Insect Remains and Their Traces: Relevant Fossil Witnesses
in the Reconstruction of Past Funerary Practises" by Jean-Bernard Huchet examines the use of
insect remains as a tool for figuring out the presence of insects in grave soils, human burials,
and related funerary contexts.
The author covers the many insect traces and remains that can be found in graves and how they
can be utilised to determine the season of death, the amount of time after death, and the
presence of additional burials. The study proposes opportunities for collaboration between
forensic scientists, entomologists, and archaeologists and demonstrates the significance of
interdisciplinary approaches in the study of historical burial practises.
This paper provides a thorough explanation of how insect remnants are employed in forensic
investigations and shows how they could be used to rebuild ancient human settlements. The
study makes it obvious that insect remains are important for comprehending the social, cultural,
and environmental context of ancient human societies.
The article is well written and educational, and it significantly advances the field of forensic
entomology. The research by Huchet establishes a strong foundation for future studies on the
use of insect remains in forensic investigations and shows the usefulness of interdisciplinary
collaboration in this field. Overall, the essay provides academics, researchers, and
professionals in the domains of forensic entomology and archaeology with an essential tool.
6. Rewriting ecological succession history: did carrion ecologists get there first?6
5
HUCHET, J.-B. (2014). INSECT REMAINS AND THEIR TRACES: RELEVANT FOSSIL WITNESSES IN
THE RECONSTRUCTION OF PAST FUNERARY PRACTICES. Anthropologie (1962-), 52(3), 329–346.
http://www.jstor.org/stable/26272486
6
Michaud, J.-P., Schoenly, K. G., Moreau, G., & Handling Editor Daniel Dykhuizen. (2015).
Rewriting ecological succession history: did carrion ecologists get there first? The Quarterly
Review of Biology, 90(1), 45–66. https://doi.org/10.1086/679763
The essay "Rewriting Ecological Succession History: Did Carrion Ecologists Get There First?"
by Michaud, Schoenly, and Moreau examines the development of the discipline of carrion
ecology as well as its contribution to the conception of ecological succession. The authors
assert that carrion ecologists, who examine the decomposition of animal carcasses, were among
the first to describe and assess the idea of ecological succession before it was applied to other
ecological systems. They cover the history of carrion ecology research and its impact on the
development of the concept of ecological succession while also looking at how this
understanding of succession might aid forensic investigations.
A thorough review of the literature is provided by the authors, who also include several studies
on succession theory and carrion ecology. They argue that the timing and order of events in a
forensic investigation involving a rotting body can provide insightful information regarding
the concept of succession in a carrion ecology.
The writers discuss two examples of the limitations of employing carrion ecology in forensic
investigations: the lack of controlled research and the need for a more uniform approach of
data collection and processing. Overall, this work presents an intriguing perspective on the
development of ecological succession theory and its relevance to forensic inquiries. The
importance of carrion ecology study in advancing our understanding of succession and its use
in forensic investigations is well argued for by the authors.
7. Of Maggots and Murder: Forensic Entomology in class7
The study "Of Maggots & Murder: Forensic Entomology in the Classroom" by Lisa Carloye
examines the use of forensic entomology as a teaching tool in the biology classroom. The
article discusses the importance of forensic entomology in homicide investigations, particularly
in determining the time of death. The author underlines how studying insects on a corpse may
disclose crucial information about the circumstances of a crime.
Carloye briefly discusses the life cycles and habits of numerous insect species, such as blow
flies and beetles, which are usually observed on decaying carcasses. The article also discusses
the usage of maggots as a bio-indicator, which can provide information regarding a body's
7
Lisa Carloye. (2003). Of Maggots & Murder: Forensic Entomology in the Classroom. The American Biology
Teacher, 65(5), 360–366. https://doi.org/10.2307/4451515
movement and time of death. The author then discusses different methods for teaching forensic
entomology. As part of this, crime scenes are digitally recreated, insects are collected and
identified outdoors, and experiments are done to see how quickly insects grow in various
situations.
Because forensic entomology can be a sensitive subject for some, the essay stresses the need
for care when teaching students about it. Carloye suggests collaborating with counsellors or
administrators to get students prepare for the material. In-depth explanations of forensic
entomology's use in criminal investigations are provided in this paper, along with examples of
how it might be effectively included into lessons.
8. Forensic entomology: insects against crimes8
An overview of the use of insects in forensic investigations may be found in Bryan Turner's
1987 essay "Forensic entomology: insects against crime" in the journal Science Progress. In
his discussion of the use of insects in homicide investigations, the author provides examples of
effective forensic entomology applications. In addition, the article discusses the various bug
species that are regularly used in forensic investigations, as well as the various stages of insect
growth and how they might be used to estimate the passing of time.
Turner outlines the several factors that can affect insect development in his explanation,
including temperature, humidity, and chemical exposure. He also discusses how important it
is to gather and keep bug samples carefully in order to ensure accurate laboratory testing. The
article's conclusion emphasises the potential benefits of utilising insects in forensic
investigations to determine whether a body has been moved after death and to determine the
presence of drugs or other toxins in the body.
Turner's article concludes by providing a full explanation of the application of forensic
entomology in criminal investigations. In addition to providing examples of successful forensic
investigations including the use of insects, it highlights the importance of employing insects to
identify the time of death. The article highlights the challenges of employing insects in forensic
investigations as well as tips for collecting and preserving insect specimens.
8
Turner, B. (1987). Forensic entomology: insects against crime. Science Progress (1933- ), 71(1
(281)), 133–144. http://www.jstor.org/stable/43420670
9. The ecology of death: Forensic Entomology as a Teaching Tool9
The American Biology Teacher published James McNeil's brief essay, "The Ecology of Death:
Forensic Entomology as a Teaching Tool," in the publication from 2010. According to the
article, forensic entomology is utilised as a teaching technique in biology classes in high school
and college. The need of teaching students about forensic entomology's potential applications
in criminal investigations and the ecological role that insects play in decomposition is
emphasised by the author.
According to McNeil, teaching forensic entomology in biology classrooms can help students
improve their understanding of the scientific method and critical thinking. In order to explain
to students the relationship between insects and decomposition as well as the use of bug
evidence in forensic investigations, the author provides a number of images of real-world
activities and experiments. These activities include studying actual bug specimens to learn
about their life cycles, creating made-up crime scenes to capture and analyse insect evidence,
and learning about the ecology of specific insects to understand how they interact with
deteriorating environments.
The need of adding real-world biological applications in classroom learning is often
emphasised in McNeil's article, particularly in the context of forensic entomology. The author
argues that these activities can increase students' engagement and enthusiasm in science while
also imparting important knowledge and skills that might be useful for careers in science or
criminal justice in the future.
10.Forensic Entomology and the archaeology of war10
The article "Forensic entomology and the archaeology of war" by Stefano Vanin et al. discusses
the use of forensic entomology in the examination of archaeological sites connected to war.
The authors claim that forensic entomology can provide crucial insights into the circumstances
9
McNeil, J. (2010). The Ecology of Death: Forensic Entomology as a Teaching Tool. The American Biology
Teacher, 72(3), 153–155. https://doi.org/10.1525/abt.2010.72.3.5
10
VANIN, S., TURCHETTO, M., GALASSI, A., & CATTANEO, C. (2009). FORENSIC ENTOMOLOGY AND
THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF WAR. Journal of Conflict Archaeology, 5(1), 127–140.
https://www.jstor.org/stable/48601938
behind the deaths of troops and civilians during war, especially when human remains are
fragmented or have been disturbed. The development of forensic entomology and its
application in criminal investigations was first described by the authors. They then focus on
the use of forensic entomology in the context of military archaeology, exploring the challenges
and opportunities presented by this particular field of research. The authors emphasise the
importance of understanding biological and environmental factors that may have an impact on
how human remains colonise and decompose under wartime conditions.
The paper goes on to discuss many case studies of archaeological sites connected to war where
forensic entomology was used to shed light on the circumstances surrounding mortality. These
case studies span a wide range of topics, including recent conflicts in Bosnia and Iraq and
World War I battlefields in Italy. The authors explain how, in each case, the investigation of
insect remains revealed crucial information about the time and place of death as well as the
local environmental conditions at the location.
In their conclusion, the authors emphasise the value of forensic entomology in war
archaeology, arguing that it can provide unique insights into the circumstances behind troop
and civilian deaths that may not be available through other methods. They also stress the need
for greater research and development in this area, particularly with regard to using insect
remains to identify the deceased. Overall, the study provides a thorough examination of the use
of forensic entomology in military archaeology, highlighting both benefits and drawbacks.
Because of the case studies offered, which give strong instances of the valuable insights that
may be gained through the research of insect remains, this article is a useful resource for
academics and industry professionals.
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
1. To learn more about the many stages of decomposition and how forensic entomology can
utilise them to pinpoint a death's exact time.
2. To get deeper knowledge of the different insect species used commonly in forensic
entomology investigations, as well as the traits of their life cycles and behaviours that make
them useful in this setting.
3. Evaluate the value of forensic entomology as a tool for resolving criminal cases by using
case studies and real-world examples to show its significance and influence in the area.
HYPOTHESIS
As a useful tool for detectives, the application of forensic entomology in criminal
investigations has gained relevance. It provides important details on the time and location of a
death, the crime scene, and other relevant facts that can be essential in solving crimes. The role
of forensic entomology in the criminal justice system is expected to grow over the coming
years, contributing to the investigation of more crimes and the conviction of criminals.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1. How can we use the life cycles and habits of the most common bug species used in forensic
entomology investigations to identify when someone died?
2. Based on the presence or absence of particular bug species or life stages, how can one
determine whether a body has been transferred or altered?
3. How might forensic entomology be combined with other forensic sciences, such as forensic
anthropology or toxicology, to provide a more full understanding of the facts around a
crime?
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Literature Review - Analyse the corpus of knowledge on forensic entomology and its
application to criminal investigations in-depth. Researching the key concepts, theories, and
methods that have been used in this field will be important for this, as well as finding
relevant journal articles, books, and other resources.
Case Studies - Examine numerous real-world instances where forensic entomology was
used in case studies to bring criminal investigations to a successful conclusion. This entails
analysing the specific insects and the developmental stages they were in when found at the
crime scene, determining their significance in determining the time of death, and assessing
how the forensic entomology evidence influenced the conclusion.
Data analysis - Examine the information gained from the literature review, case studies,
and expert interviews to discover patterns, trends, and themes in the application of forensic
entomology in criminal investigations. Both statistical and qualitative analysis techniques
will be applied to identify correlations and connections between the data.
Conclusion and Suggestions - Formulate a conclusion and recommendations for further
research and the application of forensic entomology in criminal investigations in light of
the research's findings. This can mean highlighting areas that need additional research or
proposing original concepts or techniques to improve the accuracy and dependability of
forensic entomology investigations.
INTRODUCTION
Forensic entomology, a specific field that analyses the role of arthropods in medico-legal
investigations, is becoming an increasingly important tool in criminal investigations. By
using entomological knowledge, principles, and technique, the scientific field provides the
criminal justice system with vital insights into the circumstances surrounding a crime. By
analysing the species, stages, and habits of insects and other arthropods found next to a
body, forensic entomologists can determine crucial facts such as the post-mortem interval,
the cause of death, and the likely time of day of death.
Due to the advancement of cutting-edge techniques and technologies, forensic entomology
has developed into a highly sophisticated field that provides invaluable information to law
enforcement agencies all over the world. Forensic entomology may be able to assist with
locating a crime scene, identifying the presence of drugs, and even tracing the origins of a
suspect. This also aids in figuring out when someone passed away.
However, there are several challenges and limitations to using forensic entomology in
criminal investigations.
For instance, the use of insects as a forensic tool is influenced by a variety of factors, such
as the environment, the seasons, and the presence of parasites or predators. Additionally,
given the diversity of insect habit and growth, it can occasionally be challenging to compile
accurate and reliable statistics.
This article seeks to present a thorough analysis of the various applications of forensic
entomology in criminal investigations, as well as the difficulties and restrictions related to
its use. Despite these obstacles, the science of forensic entomology keeps developing new
techniques and expanding the scope of its applications.
The multidisciplinary field of forensic entomology brings together entomologists,
pathologists, law enforcement officials, and legal professionals. In order to properly
analyse the arthropods found at crime scenes, forensic entomologists must possess a high
level of training and expertise. A firm understanding of the biology, ecology, and behaviour
of insects and other arthropods is also required. In addition, forensic entomologists must
be familiar with the proper procedures for collecting, conserving, and analysing insect
evidence in addition to the ethical and legal implications of employing insects in criminal
investigations.
Forensic entomology has been utilised in criminal investigations ever since it was
employed to determine the time of death in a Chinese murder case in the 13th century.
Pioneers like Jean Pierre Mégnin, who developed the idea of insect succession, and Dr. M.
Lee Goff, who established the first forensic entomology lab in the United States, have made
significant contributions to the field's continued development and evolution. It is now
widely regarded as important to apply forensic entomology in criminal investigations, and
its usage has contributed to the successful prosecution of numerous criminals across the
globe.
HISTORY
Forensic entomology has a long and fascinating history, with records dating back to ancient
civilizations. For instance, records from ancient China from the 13th century reveal that
insects were used in homicide investigations to determine the time of death in a case of
murder. Greek philosopher Aristotle wrote in his writings on the use of insects in forensic
investigations and their function in the decomposition of dead bodies.
But it wasn't until the early 20th century that forensic entomology began to grow into a
dedicated field of study. The seminal study on the succession of insects discovered on
decaying corpses published in 1921 by French entomologist Jean Pierre Mégnin laid the
groundwork for much of the present understanding of the significance of insects in forensic
investigations. Over the ensuing decades, other early adopters in the field, like Dr. M. Lee
Goff in the US, built on Mégnin's work by developing novel methods for acquiring and
analysing insect evidence.
One of the first records of the use of insects to aid in a criminal investigation may be found
in China's Song Dynasty in the thirteenth century. The local authorities were unable to
determine the time of death or any suspects in the case, which included a farmer who was
discovered dead in his field. In an effort to solve the case, they turned to a piece of ancient
Chinese literature called the "Hsi yuan lu" (or "Washing Away of Wrongs"), which covered
a variety of forensic inquiry methods, including the use of insects.
The detectives collected a variety of insects from the crime scene and its surrounds,
including maggots, beetles, and flies. Then, after researching the life cycles of the insects,
they came to the conclusion that the victim had been dead for roughly 72 hours because the
maggots on the body were in the third stage of development. The investigators were able
to rule out certain probable suspects and identify the murderer with the help of this
information.
This early occurrence demonstrates the potential value of insects in forensic investigations
dating back to prehistoric times. Since then, new techniques and technologies in forensic
entomology have allowed investigators to extract even more detailed information from bug
evidence. Numerous criminals have been successfully prosecuted around the world as a
result of the use of forensic entomology in criminal investigations. Now a well-established
and highly specialised field, forensic entomology.
Since then, the use of forensic entomology in criminal investigations has expanded and
evolved. The use of forensic entomology in criminal investigations is widely recognised in
modern culture, especially when the precise time of death is uncertain or contested. It has
been used effectively in many different cases, including those involving missing persons,
animal cruelty, killings, and odd deaths. As new technology and analytical methods are
developed, it is projected that forensic entomology's role in criminal investigations will
grow in the future.
A TIMELINE ON THE BREAKTHROUGH IN THE FIELD OF
APPLICATION OF ENTOMOLOGY IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION
1668 – Francesco Redi established the relation between flies and maggots and the fact that
the flies lays eggs makes the maggots in corpses.
1767 – C. Von Linne observed that three flies alone can destroy a horse as fast as when a
lion would do because of the giant number of maggots produced by the flies.
1831 – Orfila and Leseur studied about body exhumations and established that maggots
play an important role in decomposition of cadavers.
1850 – A major breakthrough in entomology in Europe occurred due to the finding of a
corpse of a child behind a chimney in France, infected by insects and was completely
skeletonised.
1855 – Bergereted’ Arbois was the first ever individual to use insect succession to find out
PMI.
1881 – Hermann Reinhard was the first ever medical who studies forensic entomology
systematically.
1894 – La Faune des Cadavres, a book was published by a French veterinarian showing
patterns of insect succession and how they are helpful in legal investigations.
ARTHROPODES AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE
Arthropods are a diverse class of invertebrate animals that have segmented bodies, jointed
legs, and hard exoskeletons. They make up the majority of animal species on Earth and
include a wide variety of insects, spiders, and crustaceans. As predators, pollinators,
decomposers, and food for other species, arthropods play important roles in ecosystems.
They have a wide variety of adaptations that allow them to flourish in a number of
environments. As time-since-death indications and a source of numerous types of evidence
that can help in the resolution of criminal cases, arthropods can play a significant part in
forensic science.
Arthropods are a group of invertebrate animals that include insects, spiders, crustaceans,
and other closely related species. They are the most numerous and diverse group of animals
on the earth, with over a million species now recognised and perhaps millions more still to
be found.
Arthropods can be identified by their segmented bodies, joined appendages, and tough
exoskeletons made of chitin. They have three separate body parts: a head, a thorax, and an
abdomen. The thorax and abdomen house the mouth, eyes, and sensory organs, whereas
the head houses the legs, wings (if any), and reproductive organs.
Arthropods have a number of feeding strategies at their disposal, including herbivory,
predatory behaviours, scavenging, and parasitism. Numerous species are essential to
ecological processes like pollination, nitrogen cycling, and pest control.
Insects are the most well-known and diverse group of arthropods, with over 900,000
identified species. They are widely distributed across the terrestrial ecosystem and have
important uses in agriculture, medicine, and the environment. Common insect orders
include beetles, butterflies and moths, flies, ants and bees, and beetles.
The almost 48,000 species of spiders constitute an important group of arthropods. Every
continent, with the exception of Antarctica, has them, and they play important roles as
predators and in controlling insect populations.
Crabs, lobsters, and prawns are just a few of the numerous marine arthropods known as
crustaceans. They are important both environmentally and commercially because they are
consumed and have a big impact on marine ecosystems.
In addition to centipedes and millipedes, which are important decomposers in many
ecosystems, there are other noteworthy families of arthropods, such as scorpions, which
are toxic predators prevalent in arid areas of the world.
Arthropods have evolved a variety of adaptations that allow them to thrive in a variety of
environments. These adaptations include complex sensory organs like compound eyes and
antennae as well as specialised appendages for eating, locomotion, and reproduction.
Arthropods are an enormously fascinating and varied collection of organisms that play an
essential role in ecosystems all around the world.
STAGES OF DECOMPOSITION
In K. Tullies and M. L. Goff's studies on exposed carrion in a tropical rainforest, the
decomposition process was found to be best categorised into five stages based on the
external look of corpses, internal temperatures, and specific insect populations:
1. Fresh stage -The body starts to chill and the skin turns bluish during the first phase of
decomposition, also referred to as the fresh stage. This is brought on by the body's
deficiency in oxygen, which results in the accumulation of gases like carbon dioxide
and methane. After death, this period might endure up to 36 hours.
2. Bloat stage - The second stage, also referred to as the bloat stage, is when the body
starts to inflate as a result of the bacteria's generation of gases as they break down the
tissues. The body may also start to smell strongly at this point. After death, this stage
may linger for three to five days.
3. Active Decay Stage - The body begins to quickly degrade in the third stage, sometimes
known as the "active decay stage," as bacteria and fungus consume the remaining
tissues. The body could start to smell worse and seem deflated. This stage may last for
10 to 20 days after death.
4. Advanced decay stage - During the fourth stage, also known as the advanced decay
stage, the body continues to disintegrate as bacteria and fungus consume the remaining
tissues. The body may be reduced to its skeletal remains and hair, and the scent begins
to fade. This stage may last for a few weeks to several months after death.
5. Dry remains stage -The final stage, also known as the dry remnants stage, is when only
a few hairs and brittle, dry bones are left of the body. Any remaining organic matter
may have totally dissolved and been consumed by insects and other scavengers.
Depending on the environment, this stage could last for centuries or even millennia.
Arthropodes and post-mortem changes of the body
When a person passes away, a process known as autolysis starts to break down their
cells within. The body starts to decompose. In the digestive system, bacteria start to eat
away at the soft tissue. As a result, liquids and gases such hydrogen sulphide, carbon
dioxide, methane, ammonia, sulphur dioxide, and hydrogen are released. The
apeneumones, which are flammable compounds generated by the decomposing carcass,
attract insects. Researchers can separate the volatile substances released by the body
throughout various stages of decomposition. Volatile compounds present at each stage
have the ability to modify an insect's behaviour11 According to studies by Crag et al., it
was revealed in 1950 that ammonium-rich chemicals present on the carrion are what
cause the flies' oviposition, or the act of laying their eggs. Putrative sulfur-based
compounds were first responsible for attracting flies to the decaying carcass.12
Smith (1986) identified four categories of insects that can be seen on rotting carrion: i)
Necrophagous species, which consume carrion; ii) Predators and parasites, which prey
on necrophagous species; iii) Omnivorous species, which consume both carrion and
other arthropods, including ants, wasps, and some beetles; and iv) Other species, such
as springtails and spiders, which use the corpse as an extension of their environment.
The first two groups are found to be the most significant in forensic entomology. They
typically originate from species of the Coleoptera and Diptera, or beetle and fly, orders,
11
LeBlanc HN, Logan JG. Exploiting Insect Olfaction in Forensic Entomology. In: Amendt J, Goff ML,
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12
Ashworth JR, Wall R. Responses of the sheep blowflies Lucilia sericata and Lxuprina to odour and the
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respectively. The succession waves in which the arthropods colonise the carrion are
based on the stage of its decomposition13
The insects that are most frequently used in forensic investigations are Diptera, or true
flies. The most prevalent species in this family are the Muscidae (house flies),
Sacrophagidae (meat flies), and Calliphoridae (blow flies). Calliphoridae (blow flies)
and Sacrophagidae (meat flies) may arrive minutes after death. House flies (Muscidae)
wait to colonise a carcass until it has bloated with enough decay. Adult members of the
Calliphoridae typically have colourful, metallic-colored thoraxes and abdomens that
are blue, green, or black. The checkering on the abdomen and the black and grey
longitudinal stripes on the thorax distinguish the medium-sized Sarcophagidae family
of flies. Muscidae are 8–12 mm long as adults. They have a grey thorax with four dark
longitudinal lines on them. The entire body is covered in projection-like hairs. The
typical sites for oviposition, or egg laying, are the holes and lesions that occur naturally
in the body. When they moult, a larva resembling a maggot is produced. They have
feeding hooks on the front of their jaws and are tiny, peg-shaped creatures. Before
reaching adult size, maggots quickly progress through their three instars or stages.
When an animal reaches its adult size, it stops eating and moves to a drier area, where
pupariation (the creation of pupa) begins.14
CONCLUSION
Forensic entomology examines arthropods or bugs related to a crime in order to assist
in a thorough investigation and prepare for a formal courtroom. Arthropods and other
creepy crawlies are often attracted to decaying and dead matter. Entomologists gather,
examine, and conduct study on information linked to the environment and atmosphere
used in the creepy-crawly tests. The temperature, stickiness, and other characteristics
of the environment and atmosphere have an impact on the creepy crawlies that live
there, just as they do on the development of the bug life cycle. The management and
storage of creepy crawlies require special thought, preparation, and funding. It gives us
13
Amendt J, Krettek R, Zehner R. Forensic entomology. Naturwissenschaften. 2004;91:51–65. [PubMed] [Google
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14
Goff ML, Lord WD. Entamotoxicology;a new area of forensic investigation. Amer J foren med
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precise details on the bug's development, behaviour, progression, propensity, and living
space—information that is essential during an investigation. Legal entomologists look
for a number of factors associated to a body or carcass that is a part of the crime using
the features of creepy crawlies and arthropods. The Post-mortem Index (PMI), the
amount of time between the death and carcass revelation, changes to crime scenes, the
cause of death, and occasionally even the personality of the cadaver are among the
factors. It deals with arachnid association in cases of criminal offences, usually heinous
crimes like murder, suicide, and assault but often other transgressions like physical
abuse and drug trafficking.