Forensic entomology using insects that invade and feed on decomposing remains to assist the investigation of a crime

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Forensic entomology using insects that invade and feed on decomposing remains to assist the investigation of a crime

Introduction

Forensic Entomology contributes significantly to the field of death investigations. It has been a reliable form of suing insects to investigate the cause of deaths by detectives, policemen and other investigative agencies (Anderson, 2001). Insects found on or near the body may reveal important clues about the crime, including the victim's time of death. It incorporates three broad subfields which have important aspects related to this field of entomology. These are medico-legal, urban area and stored product pest fields. The purpose of the study, based on its sole objective is to assess the scope of forensic entomology in the following areas:

Medico-legal area

Urban area

Stored product pests

Discussion Leading to Formation of Research Questions

Forensic indicators including insects and other arthropods were first discovered and documented in France and Germany during massive exhumations in the era of late 1880s by Reinhard and Hoffman who came to be known as the co-founders of this important disciple. Later on French publications on the scientific aspects related to the subject drew the attention of the western world towards it (Morris, Dadour, 2005). Forensic entomology serves a purpose of precision and convenience for police, coroners, medical examiners and forensic entomologists. However, entomological resources and evidence require better communication and enhanced knowledge to flourish as a field in criminal investigations. Urban forensic, Stored-product forensic and Medico-legal forensic entomology provides important implications that aid in the overall process of investigation and reaching the culprit.

The investigation of suspicious deaths or deaths under uncertain situations could be troublesome for law enforcers to investigate and arrest the culprit. Forensic entomology has made this task easier by ...