Entomological Abundance and Difference in Insect Activity in Various Crime Scene Conditions

Abstract

Forensic entomological research encompasses the study of role of insects in context of death and in the different environmental conditions .Bugs and Beetles play important role in estimating the time of death and also has a role in post mortem index determination . Apart from these major types of insects, other kind of insects such as Dermastids, mites, and even ants play an important role in determination of postmortem interval. Differences in the conditions of the scenes in which the body or cadaver is found also determines the insect activity or types of entomological abundance found . Various conditions such as dry , moist , cold , burial deaths , and drowning conditions also have different effects on the insect abundance found in the area , which would effect the decomposition difference in that particular surrounding . Depending upon what stage of decomposition the body is found, the abundance and kind of insects associated with it will vary, giving insights into the time elapsed since death. This paper also provides insights into the latest emerging field in forensic entomology, namely, Entomotoxicology. This emerging field provides insights into the effects different toxins and chemicals, originally found in the cadavers, have on the insect population feeding on them. This could possibly link us towards the possible cause of death, if by poisoning, and to determine the kind of poison. Forensic entomological research possess various limitations in the current scenario and have a great scope for future studies and further researches.