VIGNANA BHARATHI INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

TOPIC: forensic entomology A Presentation BY V.V.N.M.S.GIRISH ECE-C

FORENSIC ENTOMOLOGY

Why Are Insects Used in Forensic Science?

In most seasons and environments, insects colonize a dead body almost immediately after death Their rate of development and species dynamics over time can be used to accurately determine time since death. After 72 hours, entomological evidence is the most accurate method to determine the elapsed time since death.

What Can Insects Tell you?

Post mortem interval Whether the body was moved after death Whether the body was disturbed Presence and position of wound sites If the victim used drugs or was poisoned Length of time of abuse or neglect in living victims

What do they do?

Forensic entomologists apply their knowledge of entomology to provide information for criminal investigations.
A forensic entomologists job may include: Identification of insects at various stages of their life cycle, such as eggs, larva, and adults. Collection and preservation of insects as evidence. Determining an estimate for the postmortem interval using factors such as insect evidence, weather conditions, location and condition of the body, etc. Testifying in court to explain insect-related evidence found at a crime scene.

Determination of Elapsed Time Since Death

Two Methods Method #1: Blowflies are attracted to a body
immediately following death Dipterans Larval Development follows the progression of several stages of insect life on the body Predictable, linear pattern of development (at optimum temperatures) Entomologist must identify all types of insects on body, temperature at crime scene over elapsed time, what stages of life the specimen have already completed, and any published data on species of insects relevant to case.

Blow Fly Metamorphosis

Blow flies are attracted to dead bodies and often arrive within minutes of the death of an animal. They have a complete life cycle that consists of egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. 1st Adult flies lay eggs on the carcass especially at wound areas or around the openings in the body such as the nose, eyes, ears, anus, etc. 2nd Eggs hatch into larva (maggots) in 12-24 hours. Pupa Adult

Eggs

3rd Larvae continue to grow and molt (shed their exoskeletons) as they pass through the various instar stages. 1st Instar - 5 mm long after 1.8 days 3rd Instar 2nd Instar - 10 mm long after 2.5 days Larva 3rd Instar 14-16 mm long after 4-5 days
4th The larvae (17 mm) develop into pupa after burrowing in surrounding soil. 5th Adult flies emerge from pupa cases after 68 days.

2nd Instar Larva

1st Instar Larva

It takes approximately 14-16 days from egg to adult depending on the temperatures and humidity levels at the location of the body.

Determination of Elapsed Time Since Death (contd)

Method #2: Succession Colonization of Body As a body decomposes, it attracts different insects Entomologist identifies all species of insects that have been present on body and reconstructs timeline.

Drugs
Insects feeding on human tissue absorb any unnatural substances like drugs and poisons. If toxicology on victim does not work, analysis of insects can identify toxin. Drugs can impact insect development by speeding it up or slowing it down.

Toxins digested by Blow Fly are retained through all life stages.

Linking Suspect to Scene

1)Based on Locards Principle of Exchange. Criminals often take entomological evidence from scene. 2)Types of insect bites on suspect can prove presence at certain location. 3)Insects found on suspect can carry DNA or specific traits that match back to insects on victim or crime scene.

Challenges to Forensic Entomology

Temperature: Need temperature data to get a precise idea of insect development speed Season: Forensic entomology is only valuable during certain times of the year, when insects are present Exclusion of Insects: Freezing, burying or wrapping a body can prevent insects from colonizing it.

PIONEERS OF ENTOMOLOGY

Song ci
FRANCOIS REDI

Jean Pierre Megnin

????QUERIES????

NECESSITY IS THE MOTHER OF INVENTION QUESTION IS THE GOD OF THE INVENTION