forensic entomology (part i). taphonomy definition: the study of the conditions and processes by...
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Forensic Entomology (Part I)
Taphonomy
Definition:
The study of the conditions and processes by which organisms become fossilized.
Forensically, the focus is usually on the days-years time frame rather than processes that occur over thousands of years.
Reconstruct the circumstances of death
Forensic Taphonomy
Estimate the time of death
Forensic Anthropology Usually deal with skeletonized bodies
Forensic Taphonomy
Approximately 6 months for surface burial
Can Interpret: General weathering of the bone Damage by carnivore scavengers Trace Elements
Forensic Anthropology
Any time since death estimation is just an estimation. It can be very difficult when dealing with skeletonized remains.
Forensic Taphonomy
Forensic Entomology
Forensic Entomology Background
Forensic Entomology
Estimating the Postmortem Interval (PMI)
DNA Analysis of Maggot Crop Contents
Forensic Entomology:
Study of insects and their arthropod counterparts that interact with legal matters.
Forensic Entomology
Urban Entomology
Stored Product Entomology
Medicolegal Entomology
Forensic Entomology:
Study of insects and their arthropod counterparts that interact with legal matters.
Forensic Entomology
Urban Entomology
Stored Product Entomology
Medicocriminal Entomology
Forensic Entomology:
Study of insects and their arthropod counterparts that interact with legal matters.
Forensic Entomology
Urban Entomology
Stored Product Entomology
Forensic Medical Entomology
Insects and other arthropods can be used to answer:
Forensic Entomology
How or where a death occurred.
Postmortem Interval (PMI): Time between death and discovery of a corpse.
When did death occur?
History
Forensic Entomology
China: 13th century. sickle Bergeret: 1859. dead baby Megnin: 1890. fathered forensic entomology
Hall: 1948. blowflies Greenberg, Nuortowa, Marchenko: 70s,
80s
Forensic Entomology
What is an arthropod?
What is an insect?
Forensic Entomology:
Study of insects and their arthropod counterparts that interact with legal matters.
Forensic Entomology
Arthropoda (phylum)
class - Arachnida (spiders, scorpions)
class - Chilopoda (centipedes)
class – Insecta (insects)
order – Hymenoptera (ants, bees, wasps)
order – Blattaria (cockroaches)
order – Diptera (flies)
order – Coloeoptera (beetles)
Forensic Entomology
Arthropoda (phylum)
class - Arachnida (spiders, scorpions)
class - Chilopoda (centipedes)
class – Insecta (insects)
order – Hymenoptera (ants, bees, wasps)
order – Blattaria (cockroaches)
order – Diptera (flies)
order – Coloeoptera (beetles)
Forensic Entomology
Flies
Some flies are attracted to dead bodies.
Calliphoridae (blow flies) Sarcophagidae (flesh flies) Muscidae (house flies) Phoridae
Carrion Flies:
Forensic Entomology
Flies
Some flies are attracted to dead bodies.
Calliphoridae (blow flies) Sarcophagidae (flesh flies) Muscidae (house flies) Phoridae
Carrion Flies:
Forensic Entomology
Phoridae
Scuttle flies or coffin flies
Take advantage of physical barriers; larger flies can’t get to body
Forensic Entomology > Flies
Calliphoridae (blow flies)
Shiny color (bluebottle, greenbottle)
Among the first to arrive at a corpse
Forensic Entomology > Flies
Sarcophagidae (flesh flies)
Large, gray flies
Also among the first flies to arrive
Forensic Entomology > Beetles
Forensic Entomology > Beetles
Coleoptera (beetles)
Arrive early or late in decomposition process, depending on species
Forensic Entomology > Flies and Beetles
Complete Metamorphosis
1. Eggs
2. Larvae
3. Pupae
4. Adult