Entomology Flashcards
What is Forensic Entomology?
The study of invertebrates, particularly insects, in legal investigations
It applies biological knowledge to determine aspects of death.
Who must be informed in forensic investigations?
Family and relevant authorities
This ensures chain of custody and proper identification of the victim.
How can maggots assist in identifying a victim?
Maggots ingest DNA from the body, which can be extracted for identification
This process helps confirm the identity of the deceased.
What types of death can forensic entomology help determine?
Natural causes, accident, suicide, or homicide
Analysis of maggot entry points can provide clues.
What is PMI in forensic entomology?
Post-mortem interval, the time since death
Determined using the life cycles of insects present.
What factors affect the arrival of blowflies to a body?
Time of year, time of day, and the body’s VOCs
Blowflies are attracted to volatile organic compounds released post-mortem.
What are the stages of decomposition?
- Fresh 2. Bloat 3. Active decay 4. Post-decay
Each stage has distinct insect activity and environmental influences.
What occurs during the Fresh stage of decomposition?
Body starts to bloat; blowflies arrive first
Species like Calliphora vicina and Lucilia sericata are typically the first.
What is significant about the Bloat stage?
Gases attract blowflies; re-colonization can occur
Other predators may be attracted to the flesh and blowfly larvae.
What happens during the Active decay stage?
Body undergoes putrefaction; attracts different insects
Butanoic acid and caseic acid are produced during this phase.
What characterizes the Post-decay stage?
Most soft tissue lost; only specific species of fly larvae present
Startiomyid flies and certain beetles are typically found.
What does the presence of blowfly eggs indicate?
Recent exposure of the body, as larvae are absent
This can help estimate the time since death.
What is the typical life cycle of a blowfly?
- Gravid female lays eggs 2. Eggs hatch into larvae 3. Larvae pupate and emerge as adults
Life cycle stages are crucial for estimating PMI.
How does temperature affect maggot development?
Development time increases with temperature
Lab conditions must be adjusted for field conditions.
What is wound myiasis?
Infection of wounds with larvae of Diptera
It can lead to severe pain and distress if untreated.
What types of invertebrates are common in cases of neglect?
Species that infest wounds or live on the body surface
Examples include Musca domestica and Calliphora vicina.
What can the presence of specific invertebrates indicate?
Geographic origin of a body or object
Certain species have restricted distributions.
What does the size of goose barnacles indicate in forensic analysis?
Time spent in the sea; may suggest geographic history
For example, cocaine packages with goose barnacles indicate they were likely thrown into the Caribbean.
