Science of Forensic Entomology

The Science of Forensic Entomology builds a foundation of
biological and entomological knowledge that equips the student to
be able to understand and resolve questions concerning the presence
of specific insects at a crime scene, in which the answers require
deductive reasoning, seasoned observation, reconstruction and
experimentation--features required of all disciplines that
have hypothesis testing at its core. Each chapter addresses
topics that delve into the underlying biological principles and
concepts relevant to the insect biology that forms the bases for
using insects in matters of legal importance.

The book is more than an introduction to forensic entomology as
it offers in depth coverage of non-traditional topics, including
the biology of maggot masses, temperature tolerances of
necrophagous insects; chemical attraction and communication;
reproductive strategies of necrophagous flies; archaeoentomology,
and use of insects in modern warfare (terrorism). As such it will
enable advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students the
opportunity to gain a sound knowledge of the principles, concepts
and methodologies necessary to use insects and other arthropods in
a wide range of legal matters.

Autorentext

David B Rivers
Loyola University Maryland, Maryland, USA

Gregory Dahlem
Northern Kentucky University, Kentucky, USA

Klappentext

Forensic entomology is one of the newest sub-disciplines to be recognized by international judicial systems in countries located on every continent. Arguably it deals with the most unpleasant evidence of all disciplinesfly maggots that feed on a corpses. Though this text provides coverage of the three sub-fields of Forensic entomologyUrban, Stored Product, and Medicocriminalit is the latter that is the core of the book.

The Science of Forensic Entomology builds a foundation of biological and entomological knowledge that equips the student to be able to understand and resolve questions concerning the presence of specific insects at a crime scene, in which the answers require deductive reasoning, seasoned observation, reconstruction and experimentationfeatures required of all disciplines that have hypothesis testing at its core. Each chapter addresses topics that delve into the underlying biological principles and concepts relevant to the insect biology that forms the bases for using insects in matters of legal importance.

The book is more than an introduction to forensic entomology as it offers in depth coverage of non-traditional topics, including the biology of maggot masses, temperature tolerances of necrophagous insects; chemical attraction and communication; reproductive strategies of necrophagous flies; archaeoentomology, and use of insects in modern warfare (terrorism). As such it will enable advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students the opportunity to gain a sound knowledge of the principles, concepts and methodologies necessary to use insects and other arthropods in a wide range of legal matters.

Zusammenfassung

The Science of Forensic Entomology builds a foundation of biological and entomological knowledge that equips the student to be able to understand and resolve questions concerning the presence of specific insects at a crime scene, in which the answers require deductive reasoning, seasoned observation, reconstruction and experimentationfeatures required of all disciplines that have hypothesis testing at its core. Each chapter addresses topics that delve into the underlying biological principles and concepts relevant to the insect biology that forms the bases for using insects in matters of legal importance.

The book is more than an introduction to forensic entomology as it offers in depth coverage of non-traditional topics, including the biology of maggot masses, temperature tolerances of necrophagous insects; chemical attraction and communication; reproductive strategies of necrophagous flies; archaeoentomology, and use of insects in modern warfare (terrorism). As such it will enable advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students the opportunity to gain a sound knowledge of the principles, concepts and methodologies necessary to use insects and other arthropods in a wide range of legal matters.

Inhalt

About the Companion Website xii
Preface xiii

Chapter 1 Role of forensic science in criminal investigations 1

Overview 1

The big picture 1

1.1 What is forensic science? 1

1.2 Application of science to criminal investigations 3

1.3 Recognized specialty disciplines in forensic science 9

Chapter review 10

Test your understanding 11

Notes 12

References cited 12

Supplemental reading 12

Additional resources 12

Chapter 2 History of forensic entomology 13

Overview 13

The big picture 13

2.1 Historical records of early human civilizations suggest understanding of insect biology and ecology 13

2.2 Early influences leading to forensic entomology 16

2.3 Foundation for discipline is laid through casework, research, war, and public policy 18

2.4 Turn of the twentieth century brings advances in understanding of necrophagous insects 21

2.5 Forensic entomology during the great wars 22

2.6 Growth of the discipline due to the pioneering efforts of modern forensic entomologists leads to acceptance by judicial systems and public 23

Chapter review 24

Test your understanding 26

Notes 26

References cited 26

Supplemental reading 27

Additional resources 27

Chapter 3 Role of insects and other arthropods in urban and stored product entomology 29

Overview 29

The big picture 29

3.1 Insects and other arthropods are used in civil, criminal, and administrative matters pertinent to the judicial system 29

3.2 Civil cases involve disputes over private issues 31

3.3 Criminal law involves more serious matters involving safety and welfare of people 31

3.4 Administrative law is concerned with rulemaking, adjudication, or enforcement of specific regulatory agendas 32

3.5 Stored product entomology addresses issues of both a civil and criminal nature 33

3.6 Urban entomology is focused on more than just urban issues 38

Chapter review 42

Test your understanding 44

Notes 45

References cited 45

Supplemental reading 46

Additional resources 46

Chapter 4 Introduction to entomology 47

Overview 47

The big picture 47

4.1 Insecta is the biggest class of the biggest phylum of living organisms, the Arthropoda 47

4.2 The typical adult insect has three body parts, six legs, two antennae, compound eyes, external mouthparts, and wings 50

4.3 Tagmosis has produced the three functional body segments of insects: the head, thorax, and abdomen 51

4.4 Sensory organs and their modifications allow insects to perceive and react to their environments 55

4.5 The structure and function of an insect's digestive system is intimately tied to the food that it prefers to eat 57

4.6 A tubular tracheal system transports oxygen to the body's cells while blood moves through the body without the aid of a vascular system 58

4.7 The nervous system of insects integrates sensory input and drives many aspects of behavior 60

4.8 In order to grow, insects need to shed their skin 61

4.9 Many insects look and behave entirely differently as a larva than as an adult the magic of metamorphosis 61

4.10 The desire to reproduce is a driving force for unique reproductive behaviors and copulatory structures in insects 62

Chapter review 64

Test your understanding 65

References cited 66

Supplemental reading 67

Additional resources 67

Chapter 5 Biology, taxonomy, and natural history of forensically important insects 69

Overview 69

The big picture 69

5.1 A variety of different insects and terrestrial arthropods are attracted to a dead body 69

5.2 The…