1997 GfE Koeln: Estimation of post mortem intervals in humans
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
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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