Forensic entomology

Forensic entomology uses insects and other arthropods to investigate legal questions, especially the timing and circumstances of death.

Minimum post-mortem interval: The shortest time since death supported by available forensic evidence. The age of the oldest insect stages can set a minimum interval since colonization.
Forensic entomotoxicology: The analysis of drugs and toxins in insects associated with decomposing remains. Larvae may retain chemical evidence when a corpse's tissues are too degraded for testing.
Calliphoridae: A family of flies that includes many common blow flies. Several frequently studied carrion-colonizing species belong to this family.
Body farm: An outdoor research facility where human decomposition is studied under varied conditions. Such facilities provide data on arthropod colonization of human remains in realistic settings.
Insect development: The changes an insect undergoes as it grows through successive life stages. Species-specific development rates let investigators estimate the age of collected larvae.
Forensic entomology in wildlife crime: The use of arthropod evidence to investigate crimes involving wild animals and their remains. Insect communities can help establish how long animal remains were concealed or transported.
Entomology: The scientific study of insects. Forensic work applies insect biology and taxonomy to evidence in legal investigations.
Pig carcass decomposition studies: Experiments that use pig remains to study decomposition and associated organisms. Pig carcasses have served as practical models for examining insect succession and development.
Accumulated degree-days: A measure of heat accumulated above a developmental threshold over time. Temperature-adjusted heat sums help estimate insect age when development data are available.
Stored-product forensic entomology: The use of insects found in stored goods to investigate contamination, infestation, or disputes. Infestation evidence can help assess when and where goods were exposed to pests.

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