ABSTRACT

This chapter discusses the overall utility of insects in a legal investigation and describes how entomological knowledge may be applied in a variety of cases. It provides step-by-step instructions for collection and documentation at the crime scene and during autopsy. The chapter looks at the reader on the scope and application of forensic entomology, and provides a step-wise procedure for the scene investigator to follow, including proper packaging and shipment to a qualified forensic entomologist. The broad field of forensic entomology is commonly broken down into three general areas: medicolegal, urban, and stored product pests. Urban cases often relate to termite infestations and stored product usually relates to commercial food contamination. When many people use the term "forensic entomology," they are indeed referring to medicolegal forensic entomology. The primary question asked of a forensic entomologist is time of colonization estimation. Insect anatomy is the foundation of entomology.