Forensic entomology

Forensic entomology is a way of solving crimes by studying insects like flies, beetles, and bees that interact with dead bodies. When a person dies, insects can be attracted to the body and lay their eggs on it. The insects then feed on the body and their life cycles progress over different stages.

By studying these insects, experts can estimate the time of death, the location of death, and even the cause of death. That's because certain insects only come to the body at certain times in the decomposition process, and some insects are attracted to certain types of injuries or poisons.

Forensic entomologists collect samples of the insects from the body and surrounding area. They then examine the insects under a microscope and look for signs of decomposition, like maggots and larvae. They compare the insects found on the body to insects from the surrounding area to determine how long the body has been there.

Forensic entomology can also be used to help solve other crimes like arson and drug trafficking. In arson investigations, insects can indicate the time and location of the fire. In drug trafficking cases, insects like beetles and moths can be used to identify drugs and their shipping methods.

So, forensic entomology is like solving a mystery by studying insects that interact with dead bodies, and using that information to help law enforcement figure out what happened.