The Science of Forensic Entomology

About this book

The Science of Forensic Entomology builds a foundation of biological and entomological knowledge that equips the student to be able to understand and resolve questions concerning the presence of specific insects at a crime scene, in which the answers require deductive reasoning, seasoned observation, reconstruction and experimentation – features required of all disciplines that have hypothesis testing at its core. Each chapter addresses topics that delve into the underlying biological principles and concepts relevant to the insect biology that forms the bases for using insects in matters of legal importance.

The Science of Forensic Entomology is more than an introduction to forensic entomology as it offers in depth coverage of non-traditional topics, including the biology of maggot masses, temperature tolerances of necrophagous insects; chemical attraction and communication; reproductive strategies of necrophagous flies; archaeoentomology, and use of insects in modern warfare (terrorism). As such it will enable advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students the opportunity to gain a sound knowledge of the principles, concepts and methodologies necessary to use insects and other arthropods in a wide range of legal matters.

Contents

About the companion website xii
Preface xiii

Chapter 1 Role of forensic science in criminal investigations 1
Chapter 2 History of forensic entomology 13
Chapter 3 Role of insects and other arthropods in urban and stored product entomology 29
Chapter 4 Introduction to entomology 47
Chapter 5 Biology, taxonomy, and natural history of forensically important insects 69
Chapter 6 Reproductive strategies of necrophagous flies 95
Chapter 7 Chemical attraction and communication 113
Chapter 8 Biology of the maggot mass 131
Chapter 9 Temperature tolerances of necrophagous flies 151
Chapter 10 Postmortem decomposition of human remains and vertebrate carrion 175
Chapter 11 Insect succession on carrion under natural and artificial conditions 193
Chapter 12 Postmortem interval 215
Chapter 13 Insect alterations of bloodstain evidence 237
Chapter 14 Necrophagous and parasitic flies as indicators of neglect and abuse 251
Chapter 15 Application of molecular methods to forensic entomology 267
Chapter 16 Archaeoentomology: insects and archaeology 293
Chapter 17 Insects as weapons of war and threats to national security 311
Chapter 18 Deadly insects 331

Appendix I Collection and preservation of calyptrate Diptera 353
Appendix II Getting specimens identified 359
Appendix III Necrophagous fly life table references 363
Glossary 367
Index 377

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