What Is a Forensic Entomologist Specialty?

Forensic entomologists are part of crime scene investigations.

Forensic scientists deal with the investigation of crimes. Whether they are forensic psychologists, pathologists, dentists or entomologists, these scientists analyze specific facets of a case and are expected to give non-biased and expert testimony.

Identification

Forensic entomology is the study of insects and insect larval evidence to help solve crimes that might or might not involve a corpse.

Knowledge

A forensic entomologist usually earns a master's of science degree or PhD in entomology and then takes more coursework in the forensic relevance of entomology. He must have detailed knowledge of insect life cycles, as well as diverse types of insects and their environments..

Urban Forensic Entomology

An urban forensic entomologist studies insects such as termites, fleas and cockroaches that can cause damage to structures or infest areas. Most of these cases are civil in nature.

Stored Products

Some forensic entomologists specialize in stored product entomology, which deals with intentional or unintentional insect contamination of food and beverages. These specialists might give expert testimony on food contamination in either criminal or civil courts.

Medicolegal

Medicolegal is another area of specialization in which insect evidence can determine things such as where a crime took place, if a car accident victim was stung by a bee or a wasp prior to the crash, and if a child abuser used stinging insects to torture a child.

References

• SEMO.edu: History of Forensic Science
• Forensic Careers: Forensic Entomology
• Forensic Entomology: What is Forensic Entomology?

Resources

• American Board of Forensic Entomology: Introduction of Forensic Entomology