Correlation of insects with forensic sciences

Abstract

This chapter portrays the importance of insects in forensic sciences and highlights that how the insects are used as evidence in the court and how they can assist in solving crimes. Forensic science plays a key role in the investigation of crimes and terrorism. Forensic entomology is one of the emerging fields of forensic sciences which aids in legal investigation. Postmortem interval or time since death is the time elapsed from death to the discovery of the corpse. Various methods are used to estimate postmortem intervals. They include algor mortis, livor mortis, rigor mortis, and chemical and enzymatic changes. Insects also play a significant role in estimation of time since death which is a prime concern in the field of forensic medicine. Insects are considered to be the first visitors on any decomposing dead matter. Forensic entomology is a field that is highly neglected around the world so far. Much research work is required to flourish this field for the purpose of forensic investigation. The basic challenge for forensic entomologists is the identification of insects at larval stages as they all look similar. The taxonomic keys for identification at this level are still unavailable. There is a need to cover the drawbacks of morphological identification of these species especially if the adult form of insect is not available.