Tools and techniques in forensic entomology- A critical review

In forensic entomology, the presence of insects aids investigations by helping to understand the time since death. Insects are the first organisms that colonize and decompose the carrion. The main application of insect evidence is determining minimum post mortem interval (PMImin) either by analyzing insect developmental patterns or by estimating insect succession on the corpse. Age determination of insects has a pivotal role in the estimation of PMI. A range of techniques is available for estimating age, which provides accurate PMI in investigations. The present review critically discusses the applications of entomological evidence in PMI estimation and enlightens the factors influencing PMI calculations. Age estimation of insects is the primary task in PMI estimation. This review concentrates on methods used in age estimation, their strengths and weaknesses. Entomotoxicology analysis is a valuable tool in solving poisoning cases when dead bodies are recovered after a long period and this review also analyses the scope of entomotoxicology in the area of death investigations.

Automated summary

Forensic entomology uses the study of insect colonization and decomposition of a corpse to help determine the time since death, with age estimation of insects playing a crucial role in minimum post mortem interval calculation. Various techniques are available for accurate age estimation. Entomotoxicology analysis is also a valuable tool in long-term poisoning cases involving recovered bodies.