When we hear about a criminal investigation, a picture of fingerprints, DNA analysis, and CCTV footage come into our minds. Ever heard of insects coming to use in investigating a criminal act against the human body post-mortem? Yes, insects do play a part in investigating a criminal act, the field of science is called “Forensic Entomology.” Some of the top forensic science colleges in Maharashtra offer skill-oriented courses in the field to help students gain a deeper understanding of forensic entomology.
Forensic entomology plays a major role in calculating the postmortem interval, learning about the overall conditions of the crime scene, and even assisting with body movement identification, among other things involving death and law enforcement for justice in the court of law. This field of study brings together biology and law to offer justice through natural signs.
What is Forensic Entomology?
Forensic Entomology refers to the study of entomology and other arthropods that relate to cadavers with the intention of fulfilling legal studies. This can be simply described in terms of using insects that may be present on, in, or around a body in order to provide information on such questions as: When did the person die? Was the body relocated post-mortem? What were the environmental conditions at the time of crime committed?
History of Forensic Entomology
Using insects in crime solving is not a recent development. Historically, it goes back many hundreds of years. It has been documented that the first case involving flies as forensic evidence occurred in the 13th century in China. They assisted in detecting the weapon used in a stabbing case. The 19th century saw studies from French and German researchers about the insect life cycle in deceased bodies. This field advanced in the 20th century with the increased knowledge of biology and microscopy. Forensic entomology as a science is currently accepted and utilised globally today by forensic experts.
Rise of Forensic Toxicology in Modern Science
Importance of forensic entomology has increased at a rapid pace owing to the following reasons:
- Rise in unidentified bodies
- Requirements for making accurate estimations about the time of death
- Advancement in forensic science and insect taxonomy
- Modern forensic entomological study
- Diversity of insects found
- Stages of insect development
- Environmental parameters
Due to above listed characteristics Insects can be considered like a biological clock to estimate the post-mortem interval (PMI) correctly.
Why are Insects Reliable?
Insects arrive at a body within minutes or hours after death. They grow at a known and predictable rate. Different insects appear at different stages of decomposition. They are present even when other evidence is destroyed. Thus, insects answer when DNA or fingerprints fail.
A case that occurred in 1994. The body of a female named Hélène Prentice was found in a forest wooded region in France. The body was so decomposed naturally and discovered late that it was difficult for forensic experts to identify when it occurred.
No witnesses were present, and the suspect had denied participation in the crime with an alibi based solely on the post-mortem estimated time of death. However, it is at this point that the role of forensic entomology is very crucial.
Conclusion
Forensic entomology is a capable, yet often underutilised, tool of criminal investigation. The study of insects can divulge information relative to a death that might otherwise remain undetected. What is abhorrent or insignificant to some-maggots, for example-can speak volumes to the forensic investigator as justice is pursued. Pursuing a B.Sc in Forensic Science can help you lay the right foundation in the understanding of forensic entomology. The more science progresses, the higher the role of forensic entomology can be expected to be in solving crimes, thereby once again proving that nature itself can be one of the best forms of witness available.