Entomology Notes Flashcards
1
Q
Forensic entomology
A
is the application of the study of arthropods to criminal or legal cases
–Insects and their life cycles may help to establish postmortem interval (PMI)
2
Q
PMI
A
Post mortem interval (PMI) is the time that has elapsed since a person has died. If the time in question is not known, a number of medical/scientific techniques are used to determine it.
3
Q
Methods of determining PMI using insects:
A
LOOK AT THE BUG THAT’S BEEN ON THE BODY THE LONGEST TIME!!!! **
Takes on average 424 ADH (20 degrees C x 21.2 hours) to emerge from its egg. . If the mean temperature at a crime scene is 25 degrees Celsius, the time for eclosion is simply calculated at 424 ADH divided by 25, or approximately 17 hours.
4
Q
Other Forensic Uses for Insects: 3 points
A
- Ingestion of drugs, toxins, or other substances from body
- DNA may be obtained from guts of insects
- May give information about the location, travel, or geography associated with items.
