There’s been a murder! The victim lies lifeless, and without a witness, murder weapon or DNA evidence, this case may be impossible to crack. But fear not, investigators have an unexpected ally: forensic entomologists.
Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of forensic entomology: the study of the application of insects and other arthropods found at crime scenes that help investigators solve mysteries. While their methods may seem farfetched, these specialists are invaluable in criminal investigations.
Fair Warning: This subject is captivating but not for the squeamish!
How Does Forensic Entomology Work?
When someone dies, their body begins to decompose in a process called autolysis. Soft tissues break down, releasing volatile molecules called apeneumones. The release of apeneumones like carbon dioxide, methane and ammonia acts like a dinner bell to insects, attracting them and altering their behavior.
This predictable process, wherein insects arrive and lay eggs, allows forensic entomologists to glean all sorts of information from a corpse, including:
- The time between death and finding a body (postmortem interval).
- Where a crime took place.
- The cause of death.
Time of death, for example, can be estimated by observing blow flies. These insects are remarkable for their keen sense of smell, allowing them to locate a body in as little as ten minutes.
Blow flies arrive on the scene and lay eggs on the body. The eggs hatch into maggots, which feed, grow and molt through several stages until they pupate. During pupation, they form a hardened shell and metamorphose into adult flies.
By identifying the species of fly and determining their life stage, forensic entomologists can estimate the time of death. This isn’t an exact science, however. Factors like temperature, location and the condition of the body can influence the development of these insects. This complexity is why forensic entomology is such a vital and specialized field.
The History of Forensic Entomology
The first recorded use of insects to solve a crime dates back to 13th-century China. After a farmer was found murdered, the suspects were asked to place their sickles on the ground. Remarkably, blow flies swarmed one particular sickle, which had been cleaned but still bore invisible traces of blood. Faced with this damning evidence, the sickle’s owner confessed to the murder. (Can you imagine being that guy? So close to getting away with murder, only to be undone by an entirely new field of science.) This ingenious use of insect behavior marked the birth of forensic entomology.
Modern Forensic Entomology
Fast forward to 19th-century France, when the field took another significant step forward. A doctor examined the remains of a child found in an apartment building, discovering fly larvae and moth pupae. He understood their life cycles and concluded that the child had died eight to ten months prior. This crucial information led investigators to rule out the apartment’s current occupants and focus on the murderers, a couple who had lived there months earlier.
Today, police departments have forensic laboratories and investigators at their disposal, yet forensic entomology remains a rare specialty. In the United States, fewer than 20 people are accredited by the American Board of Forensic Entomology.
Be More Than an Armchair Expert
Forensic entomology is a unique blend of insect study and crime-solving. It’s incredible how tiny bugs can unravel big mysteries, like establishing time of death or identifying where a crime took place. If you’re intrigued by this field and want to learn more, consider the University of Florida’s online entomology programs.
Study Entomology at the University of Florida
UF offers online master’s degrees and graduate certificates with specializations in medical entomology, landscape pest management, urban pest management and beekeeping. But we’re going to focus on our medical entomology options.
Our online medical entomology programs provide a solid foundation in entomology, insect classification and ecological concepts. These programs are ideal for future ecologists, biologists and, of course, forensic entomologists. While you’ll eventually need a Ph.D. in entomology to become a forensic entomologist, our online programs offer a great starting point.
To get a better idea of what our programs offer, check out Graduate Survey of Entomology. This course serves as an introduction to insect anatomy and physiology. By the end of the course, students should be able to identify common insects and explain their movements, digestion and appearance.
What Are You Waiting For?
Whether you’re looking to advance your career or just love learning about insects, our flexible online courses are a perfect fit. Check out UF’s online entomology programs and see where your passion can take you!
Sources:
https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/murder-maggots-forensic-entomology.html
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/scientist-using-bugs-help-solve-murders-180983463/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3296382/
