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Tools and techniques in forensic entomology- A critical review

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Abstract

In forensic entomology, the presence of insects aids investigations by helping to understand the time since death. Insects are the first organisms that colonize and decompose the carrion. The main application of insect evidence is determining minimum post mortem interval (PMImin) either by analyzing insect developmental patterns or by estimating insect succession on the corpse. Age determination of insects has a pivotal role in the estimation of PMI. A range of techniques is available for estimating age, which provides accurate PMI in investigations. The present review critically discusses the applications of entomological evidence in PMI estimation and enlightens the factors influencing PMI calculations. Age estimation of insects is the primary task in PMI estimation. This review concentrates on methods used in age estimation, their strengths and weaknesses. Entomotoxicology analysis is a valuable tool in solving poisoning cases when dead bodies are recovered after a long period and this review also analyses the scope of entomotoxicology in the area of death investigations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Forensic Science programme, Department of Life Sciences, University of Calicut, Kerala Police Academy, 673635, Malappuram, Kerala, India

    M. S. Siva Prasad

  2. Department of Zoology, University of Calicut, 673635, Malappuram, Kerala, India

    Embalil Mathachan Aneesh

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  1. M. S. Siva Prasad
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Siva Prasad, M.S., Aneesh, E.M. Tools and techniques in forensic entomology- A critical review. Int J Trop Insect Sci 42, 2785–2794 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42690-022-00823-5

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