Forensic Entomology

Question 1

What is forensic entomology

Answer 1

The use of insects and other anthropods that inhabit decomposing materials to aid criminal investigations.

Question 2

Role of forensic entomologists

Answer 2

To identify insects at various stages of their life, preserving and collecting the evidence to then use it as a way to determine post mortem interval (PMI - The time between death and discovery of the cadaver).

Question 3

Factors that may affect body condition (entomology)

Answer 3

-Air, ground, surface, the interface area between the body and ground.
-The body and the ground.
-The soil under the body.
-Temperature which may affect maggot masses
-Any weather data. (Highs/lows in temp.)

Question 4

Factors affecting PMI

Answer 4

Air, ground, surface and interface in between.
-Weather (Highs/lows in temp.)
-Temperature in maggot masses. Soil underneath cadaver.
-Precipitation