What does forensic entomology study?

Forensic entomology focuses on the study of insect evidence, particularly in relation to determining the time of death in a variety of contexts, including homicide investigations. Insects, especially certain types like blowflies, are often among the first organisms to arrive at a decomposing body. They lay eggs on the remains, and the stages of development from egg to larva to adult can provide critical information regarding the postmortem interval – the time elapsed since death. This can be invaluable in solving crimes, providing law enforcement with a timeline of events.

This field utilizes the life cycles of insects, as well as their behavior and ecological associations, to make informed estimates about when a person died. This makes it a vital tool in forensic science, combining entomology with criminal investigations to aid in accurate conclusions about the circumstances surrounding a death.