Applied Forensic Entomology

When applied to forensic investigations, the primary use of entomology is to estimate the time since death, or postmortem interval (PMI) during death investigations. Although questions related to the location or manner of death may also be addressed using entomological evidence, the vast majority of forensic entomology cases continue to focus on PMI estimates. After a period of 24-48 hours, forensic entomology is one of the few methods for accurately estimating the PMI and entomological analysis has been successful for estimating the PMI after many years have passed. Flies, particularly blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) are the first animals to locate and colonize a dead animal, often within seconds or minutes after death when conditions are favourable. This important book is primarily designed for students of forensic anthropology and those engaged in the field of forensic entomology.