The importance of forensic entomology in criminal investigations

Abstract

This paper demonstrates the importance of forensic entomology in criminal investigations and points to post-mortem interval estimation, procedures at the death scene, which are important for entomological research. The focus of the paper is on entomotoxicology, that is, how entomotoxicology can help determine the presence of toxins in the body at the time of death when this is not possible by means of traditional methods. The paper also demonstrates how insects can contribute to the discovery of mass graves and provide information that can help prove war crimes.