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 xii
 
Preface xiii
 
Chapter 1 Role of forensic science in criminal investigations 1
 
Overview 1
 
The big picture 1
 
Chapter review 10
 
Test your understanding 11
 
Notes 12
 
References cited 12
 
Supplemental reading 12
 
Additional resources 12
 
Chapter 2 History of forensic entomology 13
 
Overview 13
 
The big picture 13
 
Chapter review 24
 
Test your understanding 26
 
Notes 26
 
References cited 26
 
Supplemental reading 27
 
Additional resources 27
 
Chapter 3 Role of insects and other arthropods in urban and stored product entomology 29
 
Overview 29
 
The big picture 29
 
Chapter review 42
 
Test your understanding 44
 
Notes 45
 
References cited 45
 
Supplemental reading 46
 
Additional resources 46
 
Chapter 4 Introduction to entomology 47
 
Overview 47
 
The big picture 47
 
Chapter review 64
 
Test your understanding 65
 
References cited 66
 
Supplemental reading 67
 
Additional resources 67
 
Chapter 5 Biology, taxonomy, and natural history of forensically important insects 69
 
Overview 69
 
The big picture 69
 
Chapter review 90
 
Test your understanding 92
 
References cited 92
 
Supplemental reading 94
 
Additional resources 94
 
Chapter 6 Reproductive strategies of necrophagous flies 95
 
Overview 95
 
The big picture 95
 
Chapter review 106
 
Test your understanding 108
 
Notes 109
 
References cited 109
 
Supplemental reading 111
 
Additional resources 112
 
Chapter 7 Chemical attraction and communication 113
 
Overview 113
 
The big picture 113
 
Chapter review 124
 
Test your understanding 127
 
Notes 127
 
References cited 127
 
Supplemental reading 129
 
Additional resources 130
 
Chapter 8 Biology of the maggot mass 131
 
Overview 131
 
The big picture 131
 
oviposition or larviposition 132
 
Chapter review 143
 
Test your understanding 145
 
References cited 146
 
Supplemental reading 149
 
Additional resources 149
 
Chapter 9 Temperature tolerances of necrophagous flies 151
 
Overview 151
 
The big picture 151
 
Chapter review 167
 
Test your understanding 170
 
Notes 171
 
References cited 171
 
Supplemental reading 174
 
Additional resources 174
 
Chapter 10 Postmortem decomposition of human remains and vertebrate carrion 175
 
Overview 175
 
The big picture 175
 
Chapter review 187
 
Test your understanding 190
 
Notes 190
 
References cited 190
 
Supplemental reading 192
 
Additional resources 192
 
Chapter 11 Insect succession on carrion under natural and artificial conditions 193
 
Overview 193
 
The big picture 193
 
Chapter review 208
 
Test your understanding 211
 
Notes 211
 
References cited 212
 
Supplemental reading 214
 
Additional resources 214
 
Chapter 12 Postmortem interval 215
 
Overview 215
 
The big picture 215
 
Chapter review 230
 
Test your understanding 232
 
Notes 233
 
References cited 233
 
S

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, Dahlem Gregory A., D Rivers, David Rivers, David B Rivers, David B. Rivers, David B. (Loyola University Maryland Rivers, David B. Dahlem Rivers, Rivers David B.
• Publisher: Wiley, John and Sons Ltd
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 31.01.2014
• EAN: 9781119940364
• ISBN: 978-1-119-94036-4
• No. of pages: 400
• Subjects: Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Chemistry; Chemie, Forensik, Entomologie, Life Sciences, Biowissenschaften, chemistry, Entomology, Analytische Chemie / Forensik, Forensics