1997 GfE Koeln: Estimation of post mortem intervals in humans

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Source: Tagungsband der 12. Wissenschaftlichen Tagung der Gesellschaft für Entwicklungsbiologie e. V. vom 11. - 14. März 1997 in Köln (GER)

Estimation of post mortem intervals in humans

A macroscopic application of developmental biology called -Forensic Entomology-

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FROM MARK BENECKE

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Insect development is well-studied and thus can be used as a marker for estimation of time intervals. Blowflies and several beetles together with their larvae are used in forensic science to help diagnosing how long a corpse has been exposed to defined environmental conditions.


Most times the forensic entomologist is asked if the insect fauna of an corpse can tell the time and date of a person's dead.


For various reasons, pest control experts as weIl as entomologists and (forensic) medicinal practitioners have studied the correlations between temperature, humidity and speed of development of several insects.


Forensic scientists put together those facts and calculated curves which now allow a precise estimation of the living time of an insect found associated to a corpse. In most cases, length, weight, and macroscopic state (e.g., filling of intestines) of larvae are determined and compared to the standard data curve.


Because of several insects visiting corpses only at a defined state of decomposition, further information about the post mortem interval is given by determination of species. Sometimes it is quite hard to determine species just by their pupae or even worse by their larvae. That is why it can be necessary to breed larvae to adultship. In doing this, developmental biology once again is in focus of research and criminal investigations.


Only a lew laboratories in the world (Rosny sous Bois, Hawaii, Wien, Köln, Quantico among few others) perform(ed) studies concerning the forensic application of insect development. We present our aims to establish a database of developmental processes of insects which are specific for the western German fauna of human corpses, especially for the diptera Lucilia caesar, Calliphora vicina and Calliphora erythrocephala.


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Dr. rer. medic. Mark Benecke · Diplombiologe (verliehen in Deutschland) · Öffentlich bestellter und vereidigter Sachverständiger für kriminaltechnische Sicherung, Untersuchung u. Auswertung von biologischen Spuren (IHK Köln) · Landsberg-Str. 16, 50678 Köln, Deutschland, E-Mail: forensic@benecke.com · www.benecke.com · Umsatzsteueridentifikationsnummer: ID: DE212749258 · Aufsichtsbehörde: Industrie- und Handelskammer zu Köln, Unter Sachsenhausen 10-26, 50667 Köln, Deutschland · Fallbearbeitung und Termine nur auf echtem Papier. Absprachen per E-mail sind nur vorläufige Gedanken und nicht bindend. 🗺 Dr. Mark Benecke, M. Sc., Ph.D. · Certified & Sworn In Forensic Biologist · International Forensic Research & Consulting · Postfach 250411 · 50520 Cologne · Germany · Text SMS in criminalistic emergencies (never call me): +49.171.177.1273 · Anonymous calls & suppressed numbers will never be answered. · Dies ist eine Notfall-Nummer für SMS in aktuellen, kriminalistischen Notfällen). · Rufen Sie niemals an. · If it is not an actual emergency, send an e-mail. · If it is an actual emergency, send a text message (SMS) · Never call. · Facebook Fan Site · Benecke Homepage · Instagram Fan Page · Datenschutz-Erklärung · Impressum · Archive Page · Kein Kontakt über soziale Netzwerke. · Never contact me via social networks since I never read messages & comments there.