[Practice of forensic entomology--usability of insect fragments in the estimation of the time of death]

Arch Kriminol. 2004 Jul-Aug;214(1-2):11-8.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Forensic entomology analyzes and evaluates the presence of necrophagous or necrophilic insects on human corpses to estimate the post-mortem interval. The three cases presented are good examples illustrating that not only the various stages of development of the necrophagous insects from egg via larva to pupa are useful for forensic assessment. Depending on the situation in the individual case, even inconspicuous remains of past insect activity such as empty pupal cases or larval skins may supply important entomological information. For this purpose it is indispensable to preserve such evidence, which may appear only as fragments or pieces at first sight, for proper entomological assessment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Autopsy / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Cause of Death
  • Drug Overdose / pathology
  • Female
  • Forensic Anthropology / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Homicide / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Humans
  • Insecta / anatomy & histology*
  • Male
  • Metamorphosis, Biological / physiology
  • Narcotics / poisoning
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / pathology
  • Postmortem Changes*

Substances

  • Narcotics