Forensic Entomology

Question 1

Define forensic entomology.

Answer 1

Study of the carrion insects associated with a dead body.

Question 2

True or false: forensic entomology is one of the most accurate methods to estimate time elapsed since death.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

What is the primary aim of forensic entomology?

Answer 3

To estimate minimum colonization time of insects on a dead body to infer a minimum PMI.

Question 4

What are two additional uses for forensic entomology?

Answer 4

Insects can be usedd as alternate toxicological specimens
Victim’s DNA can sometimes be extracted

Question 5

What was the first reported use of forensic entomology?

Answer 5

Murder investigation in 10th century China

Question 6

When was forensic entomology first used in Canada?

Answer 6

1960s

Question 7

What is included in a forensic entomology report?

Answer 7

Insects and how they colonize remains
How insects develop through their life cycle
How each stage and species can be identified

Question 8

What are the two overall areas of analysis conducted by a forensic entomologist?

Answer 8

1. Insect development
2. Successional ecology

Question 9

What might forensic entomology testimony address?

Answer 9

Length of time insects have been associated with remains.

Question 10

What information can forensic entomology provide about a body after death?

Answer 10

Whether it has been moved
Whether it has been disturbed
Presence or position of wound sites that are no longer visible due to decomposition.

Question 11

What was forensic entomology used to provide in R. v. Pickton?

Answer 11

1. Estimate of amount of time between death and the freezing of the remains of two victims
2. Opinion on time of year women died.

Question 12

Why was forensic entomology evidence not admitted in the case of R. v. Hosack (murder, dismemberment)

Answer 12

While expert Dr. Anderson was recognized as an authority in her field, the non-linear relationship between temperature and insect development was too significant.

Question 13

Describe the case of R. v. Truscott

Answer 13

Wrongful murder conviction of Steven Truscott in the SA and death of Classmate Lynne Harper

Question 14

What was the key issue at trial in the case of R. v. Truscott?

Answer 14

Forensic pathology evidence of stomach contents, rigor mortis, and body decomp
Dr. Penistan concluding Harper died between 7 and 7:45 pm. Truscott gave her a bike ride between 7 and 7:30.

Question 15

What was the fresh evidence introduced in the appeal of R. v. Truscott?

Answer 15

5 entomologists called, 4 agreed that time of death window was much larger and included the entire next day.
Forensic pathology evidence that stomach contents was not a reliable method to determine time of death.