What Does a Forensic Entomologist Do?

Forensic entomologists work with insects.

Forensic entomologists use their knowledge of insects to resolve legal matters. The field was established by a French scientist named Bergeret, who studied insect activity to help find clues about the death of an unknown infant.

Detecting Abuse

In rape and abuse cases, forensic entomologists study insects to find out if someone has been left incapacitated. In these cases, the body fluids of someone who has been drugged or tied down can attract bugs.

Estimating Time of Death

In murder investigations, forensic entomologists use bugs on the deceased to estimate how much time has elapsed since they died. This estimate is based on the size and weight of the bugs present.

Examining Crime Scenes

In addition to examining bugs found on a body, forensic entomologists also examine insects at crime scenes. This process involves measuring the temperature of soil and observing vegetation and weather conditions in the area where the death occurred.

DNA

Forensic entomologists can use DNA from insects to determine the species that are found at a crime scene. In addition, if insects have ingested human blood, forensic entomologists can get DNA from the insect's digestive tract.

Toxicology

Just as insects will feast on a victim's blood, they will also eat body tissue. If toxins of some kind were involved in a death, forensic entomologists can extract the substances from these insects.

References

• American Board of Forensic Entomology: Welcome to The American Board of Forensic Entomology (ABFE)
• Forensic Entomology: Insects in Legal Investigations