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Forensic Entomology

Insects and Decomposition

Forensic entomology uses insect evidence to estimate the post-mortem interval (PMI)—the time elapsed since death. Blow flies (family Calliphoridae) are typically the first insects to colonize a body, often arriving within minutes of death. Females lay eggs in natural body openings (eyes, nose, mouth) and wounds. The eggs hatch into larvae (maggots) that feed on decomposing tissue, progressing through three larval stages (instars), a pupal stage, and finally emerging as adult flies. Each stage has a predictable duration that depends primarily on temperature—the key variable. Other insect groups arrive in a predictable succession: blow flies first, then flesh flies, beetles (feeding on drier tissue), and finally mites and moths as the remains desiccate. This succession provides a biological clock spanning days to months.

Forensic Entomology

Insects and Decomposition

Forensic entomology uses insect evidence to estimate the post-mortem interval (PMI)—the time elapsed since death. Blow flies (family Calliphoridae) are typically the first insects to colonize a body, often arriving within minutes of death. Females lay eggs in natural body openings (eyes, nose, mouth) and wounds. The eggs hatch into larvae (maggots) that feed on decomposing tissue, progressing through three larval stages (instars), a pupal stage, and finally emerging as adult flies. Each stage has a predictable duration that depends primarily on temperature—the key variable. Other insect groups arrive in a predictable succession: blow flies first, then flesh flies, beetles (feeding on drier tissue), and finally mites and moths as the remains desiccate. This succession provides a biological clock spanning days to months.