Forensic Entomology An Introduction

About this book

Forensic Entomology provides undergraduates with a concise introduction to the subject. The book is written with the clarity necessary for students starting out in entomology yet authoritative enough to prove useful for more experienced researchers.

Worked examples of the necessary mathematics, including how to use excel to process data, coupled with lab protocols and self-assessment questions make the book an essential starting point in the subject.

Assuming little prior knowledge of either biology or entomology Forensic Entomology provides information on identification, life cycles and ecology of insects presented in a forensic context. Information is conveyed in an accessible style with practical tasks and suggestions for further reading included in each chapter.

Contents

List of plates ix
List of figures xiii
List of tables xvii
Preface xix
Acknowledgements xxi

1 The scope of forensic entomology 1
2 Forensic entomology, DNA and entomotoxicology 12
3 Insects and decomposition 29
4 Identifying flies that are important in forensic entomology 42
5 Key for the identification of European and Mediterranean blowflies (Diptera, Calliphoridae) of medical and veterinary importance - adult flies 77
6 Identifying beetles that are important in forensic entomology 82
7 Sampling at the crime scene 101
8 Rearing insects and other laboratory investigations 111
9 Calculating the post mortem interval 121
10 Ecology of forensically important flies 139
11 The ecology of some forensically relevant beetles 156
12 Investigations in an aquatic environment 169
13 The forensic entomologist in court 184

Appendices 201
Glossary 205
References 216
Index 241

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