The Science of Forensic Entomology

Forensic entomology is one of the newest sub–disciplines to be recognized by international judicial systems in countries located on every continent. Arguably it deals with the most unpleasant evidence of all disciplines—fly maggots that feed on a corpses.  Though this text provides coverage of the three sub–fields of Forensic entomology—Urban, Stored Product, and Medicocriminal—it is the latter that is the core of the 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 book 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.

I.                    Introduction to Forensic Entomology II.                  History of discipline III.                Role of Forensic Science in criminal investigations IV.               Role of insects and other arthropods in criminal investigations: an overview V.                 Introduction to entomology   VI.               Biology, taxonomy and natural history of forensically important insects   VII.             Reproductive strategies of necrophagous flies VIII.           Chemical attraction and communication IX.                Biology of the maggot mass X.                  Temperature tolerances of blow flies and flesh flies XI.                Post mortem decomposition XII.              Insect succession on carrion XIII.            Determination of the post mortem interval XIV.           Insect alterations of bloodstain analyses XVI.           Insects as evidence in cases of neglect and abuse XVII.         Application of molecular methods to Forensic Entomology XVIII.       Scientific ethics and the expert witness XIX.           Archeoentomology XX.             Insect roles in issues of national security and terrorism   Appendices      Appendix A: Tables of necrophagous fly development at different temperatures     Appendix B.  Identification keys to adult flies                  1. Calliphoridae                2. Sarcophagidae                3. Muscidae    Appendix C.  Identification keys to larval flies   Calliphoridae Sarcophagidae Muscidae    

David B Rivers Loyola University Maryland, Maryland, USA Gregory Dahlem Northern Kentucky University, Kentucky, USA