A thoroughly updated introduction to forensic entomology

In the newly revised second edition of The Science of Forensic Entomology, two distinguished entomologists deliver a foundational and practical resource that equips students and professionals to be able to understand and resolve questions concerning the presence of specific insects at crime scenes. Each chapter in the book addresses a topic that delves into the underlying biological principles and concepts relevant to the insect biology that grounds the use of insects in legal and investigational contexts.

In addition to non-traditional topics, including the biology of maggot masses, temperature tolerances of necrophagous insects, chemical attraction and communication, reproductive strategies of necrophagous flies, and archaeoentomology, the book also offers readers:

• A thorough introduction to the role of forensic science in criminal investigations and the history of forensic entomology
• Comprehensive discussions of the biology, taxonomy, and natural history of forensically important insects
• Fulsome treatments of the postmortem decomposition of human remains and vertebrate carrion
• In-depth introduction to the concepts of accumulated degree days and the use of insect development for estimation of the postmortem interval
• New chapters dedicated to forensic entomotoxicology, aquatic insects in forensic investigations, microbiomes of forensic insects and carrion, professional standards, and case studies

Perfect for graduate and advanced undergraduate students in forensic entomology, forensic biology, and general forensic science, The Science of Forensic Entomology will also earn a place in the libraries of law enforcement and forensic investigators, as well as researchers in forensic entomology.

Review of First Edition

“Overall, I believe that this book has achieved its goal of presenting a thorough introduction to forensic entomology (as well as a number of related topics) to undergraduate and graduate students” - Patrice Bouchard, Bulletin de la Société d’entomologie du Canada, 2015

David B. Rivers is Professor of Biology and Director of Forensic Studies at Loyola University Maryland. His efforts are currently focused on training the next generation of biologists to assist in criminal investigations.

Gregory A. Dahlem, PhD, holds a teaching position at Northern Kentucky University and whose research involves the evolution, identification, and behavior of calyptrate Diptera.

About the companion website                                                                                              xii

Preface                                                                                                                         xiii

Chapter 1            Role of forensic science in criminal investigations                                           

Chapter 2            History of forensic entomology                                                                             

Chapter 3            Role of insects and other arthropods in urban and stored

product entomology                                    

Chapter 4            Introduction to entomology                                                                                                 

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

insects                                                                                                                                         

Chapter 6            Reproductive strategies of necrophagous flies                                                 

Chapter 7            Chemical attraction and communication                                                            

Chapter 8            Biology of the maggot mass                                                                                                  

Chapter 9            Temperature tolerances of necrophagous insects

Chapter 10          Postmortem decomposition of human remains and vertebrate carrion    

Chapter 11          Insect succession on carrion under natural and artificial conditions           

Chapter 12          Decomposition in aquatic environments                                                                            

Chapter 13          Microbiomes of carrion and forensic insects                                                                    

Chapter 14          Postmortem interval

Chapter 15          Insect stains and artifacts: Alterations of bloodstain and body fluid evidence              

Chapter 16          Necrophagous and parasitic flies as indicators of neglect and abuse

Chapter 17          Wildlife forensics

Chapter 18          Forensic Entomotoxicology

Chapter 19          Application of molecular methods to forensic entomology

Chapter 20          Archaeoentomology: insects and archaeology

Chapter 21          Insects as weapons of war and threats to national security

Chapter 22          Insects and arthropods that cause death

Chapter 23          Professional Standards and Ethics

Chapter 24          Forensic Entomology Case Studies

Appendix I          Collection and preservation of calyptrate Diptera                                                          

Appendix II         Getting specimens identified                                                                                                

Appendix III        Necrophagous fly and beetle life table references

Appendix IV

Glossary                                                                                                                                                                    

Index