Insects and Humans

Abstract

Insects and other arthropods have the potential to be significant evidence in criminal investigations. The applications include providing an estimate of the minimum period of time since death, determining postmortem movement of a body, assessment of trauma, characterization of the crime scene, serving as alternate samples for toxicological, analyses, sources of DNA, and an evidence of abuse and/or neglect. All of these applications are dependent on proper and careful analyses of the specimens present on with respect to developmental stages and species involved.