Forensic entomology << fuh REHN sihk ehn tuh MAHL uh jee >> is the application of the scientific study of insects to legal matters. Entomologists are scientists who study insects and related animals, such as centipedes, mites, spiders, and ticks. Forensic entomologists frequently work with law enforcement officials. They often help establish the time of death in cases of homicide, suicide, or accident.
Forensic entomologists examine insect adults, larvae (young), or eggs found on or near a body. Many insects are attracted to a body after it dies. Some insects, such as flies, arrive soon after death. Other insects may come later. An insect’s development from egg to adult occurs in a known sequence. Scientists can thus study the types and development stages of insects at a body to establish, in part, how much time has passed since death. Forensic entomologists can also help determine if a person was injured prior to death or has been moved since death.
In addition, biting insects can consume drugs and toxins (poisons) present in human tissues at the time of death. Those chemical substances can then be recovered from the body of the insect. In this way, forensic entomologists can help determine whether drugs or toxins were present before death. This technique is used in cases where soft tissues have decomposed or only bones remain.
Forensic entomology relies heavily on the proper identification of the collected insect species. Most forensic entomologists have an advanced degree in the study of insects. In a court of law, forensic entomologists are responsible for accurately explaining the significance of their evidence. For the court to accept their testimony, the court must recognize them as expert witnesses. Many forensic entomologists work for an academic institution, medical examiner, or coroner’s office.
