Science of Forensic Entomology

The Science of Forensic Entomology builds a foundation of biological and entomological knowledge that equips the student to be able to understand and resolve questions concerning the presence of specific insects at a crime scene, in which the answers require deductive reasoning, seasoned observation, reconstruction and experimentation--features required of all disciplines that have hypothesis testing at its core. Each chapter addresses topics that delve into the underlying biological principles and concepts relevant to the insect biology that forms the bases for using insects in matters of legal importance.The book is more than an introduction to forensic entomology as it offers in depth coverage of non-traditional topics, including the biology of maggot masses, temperature tolerances of necrophagous insects; chemical attraction and communication; reproductive strategies of necrophagous flies; archaeoentomology, and use of insects in modern warfare (terrorism). As such it will enable advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students the opportunity to gain a sound knowledge of the principles, concepts and methodologies necessary to use insects and other arthropods in a wide range of legal matters.

List of contents

About the companion website xiiPreface xiiiChapter 1 Role of forensic science in criminal investigations 1Overview 1The big picture 1Chapter review 10Test your understanding 11Notes 12References cited 12Supplemental reading 12Additional resources 12Chapter 2 History of forensic entomology 13Overview 13The big picture 13Chapter review 24Test your understanding 26Notes 26References cited 26Supplemental reading 27Additional resources 27Chapter 3 Role of insects and other arthropods in urban and stored product entomology 29Overview 29The big picture 29Chapter review 42Test your understanding 44Notes 45References cited 45Supplemental reading 46Additional resources 46Chapter 4 Introduction to entomology 47Overview 47The big picture 47Chapter review 64Test your understanding 65References cited 66Supplemental reading 67Additional resources 67Chapter 5 Biology, taxonomy, and natural history of forensically important insects 69Overview 69The big picture 69Chapter review 90Test your understanding 92References cited 92Supplemental reading 94Additional resources 94Chapter 6 Reproductive strategies of necrophagous flies 95Overview 95The big picture 95Chapter review 106Test your understanding 108Notes 109References cited 109Supplemental reading 111Additional resources 112Chapter 7 Chemical attraction and communication 113Overview 113The big picture 113Chapter review 124Test your understanding 127Notes 127References cited 127Supplemental reading 129Additional resources 130Chapter 8 Biology of the maggot mass 131Overview 131The big picture 131oviposition or larviposition 132Chapter review 143Test your understanding 145References cited 146Supplemental reading 149Additional resources 149Chapter 9 Temperature tolerances of necrophagous flies 151Overview 151The big picture 151Chapter review 167Test your understanding 170Notes 171References cited 171Supplemental reading 174Additional resources 174Chapter 10 Postmortem decomposition of human remains and vertebrate carrion 175Overview 175The big picture 175Chapter review 187Test your understanding 190Notes 190References cited 190Supplemental reading 192Additional resources 192Chapter 11 Insect succession on carrion under natural and artificial conditions 193Overview 193The big picture 193Chapter review 208Test your understanding 211Notes 211References cited 212Supplemental reading 214Additional resources 214Chapter 12 Postmortem interval 215Overview 215The big picture 215Chapter review 230Test your understanding 232Notes 233References cited 233Supplemental reading 235Additional resources 235Chapter 13 Insect alterations of bloodstain evidence 237Overview 237The big picture 237Chapter review 246Test your understanding 248Notes 248References cited 249Supplemental reading 249Additional resources 250Chapter 14 Necrophagous and parasitic flies as indicators of neglect and abuse 251Overview 251The big picture 251Chapter review 261Test your understanding 263Notes 263References cited 264Supplemental reading 265Additional resources 266Chapter 15 Application of molecular methods to forensic entomology 267Overview 267The big picture 267Chapter review 285Test your understanding 287References cited 288Supplemental reading 291Additional resources 292Chapter 16 Archaeoentomology: insects and archaeology 293Overview 293The big picture 293Chapter review 304Test your understanding 306Notes 307References cited 307Supplemental reading 309Additional resources 309Chapter 17 Insects as weapons of war and threats to national security 311Overview 311The big picture 311Chapter review 324Test your understanding 327Notes 328References cited 328Supplemental reading 329Additional resources 329Chapter 18 Deadly insects 331Overview 331The big picture 331Chapter review 346Test your understanding 349Notes 349References cited 350Supplemental reading 351Additional resources 351Appendix I Collection and preservation of calyptrate Diptera 353Collecting adult flies 353Collecting fly larvae 355Mounting and preserving specimens (adult flies) 355References cited 357Resources and links 357Appendix II Getting specimens identified 359Morphological identification of specimens on your own 359Identification of specimens (by systematic expert) 360References cited 361Resources and links 361Appendix III Necrophagous fly life table references 363Glossary 367Index 377

About the author

David B Rivers
Loyola University Maryland, Maryland, USA

Gregory Dahlem
Northern Kentucky University, Kentucky, USA

Summary

The Science of Forensic Entomology builds a foundation of biological and entomological knowledge that equips the student to be able to understand and resolve questions concerning the presence of specific insects at a crime scene, in which the answers require deductive reasoning, seasoned observation, reconstruction and experimentation--features required of all disciplines that have hypothesis testing at its core. Each chapter addresses topics that delve into the underlying biological principles and concepts relevant to the insect biology that forms the bases for using insects in matters of legal importance.

The book is more than an introduction to forensic entomology as it offers in depth coverage of non-traditional topics, including the biology of maggot masses, temperature tolerances of necrophagous insects; chemical attraction and communication; reproductive strategies of necrophagous flies; archaeoentomology, and use of insects in modern warfare (terrorism). As such it will enable advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students the opportunity to gain a sound knowledge of the principles, concepts and methodologies necessary to use insects and other arthropods in a wide range of legal matters.

Product details

• Authors: Gregory A Dahlem, Gregory A. Dahlem, Rivers, D Rivers, David Rivers, David B Rivers, David B. Rivers, David B. Dahlem Rivers
• Publisher: Wiley, John and Sons Ltd
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 31.01.2014
• EAN: 9781119940371
• ISBN: 978-1-119-94037-1
• No. of pages: 400
• Subjects: Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Chemistry; Chemie, Forensik, Entomologie, Life Sciences, Biowissenschaften, chemistry, Entomology, Analytische Chemie / Forensik, Forensics