Abstract
Simple SummaryThe post-mortem interval of human cadavers may be estimated based on insect evidence. In order to identify scientific challenges that pertain to these estimations, I review forensic entomology literature and conclude that research on the development and succession of carrion insects, thermogenesis on cadavers and the accuracy of PMI estimates are of primary importance to advance this field.During death investigations insects are used mostly to estimate the post-mortem interval (PMI). These estimates are only as good as they are close to the true PMI. Therefore, the major challenge for forensic entomology is to reduce the estimation inaccuracy. Here, I review literature in this field to identify research areas that may contribute to the increase in the accuracy of PMI estimation. I conclude that research on the development and succession of carrion insects, thermogenesis in aggregations of their larvae and error rates of the PMI estimation protocols should be prioritized. Challenges of educational and promotional nature are discussed as well, particularly in relation to the collection of insect evidence.
Highlights
Carrion insects living in human cadavers can be highly useful for the estimation of the post-mortem interval (PMI) [1,2]
I divided this paper into sections devoted to the collection of insect evidence, research on insect development and succession, reconstructing temperature conditions, analysis of challenging evidence and validation of the protocols for PMI estimation
We need to remember that pre-appearance interval (PAI) and presence interval (PI) data for particular taxa are necessary when results of the study are to be used for the estimation of PMI
Summary
Carrion insects living in human cadavers can be highly useful for the estimation of the post-mortem interval (PMI) [1,2]. Methods for PMI estimation based on insect evidence are developed, validated, improved and applied by forensic entomologists. This field is growing with a constant increase in the number of scientific publications and countries where entomology-based estimation of PMI is regularly used in death investigations [3,4]. Forensic entomology contains several weaknesses and under-researched areas These challenges are the focus of this article. The accuracy of estimation is most important, for the end users of insect evidence. I divided this paper into sections devoted to the collection of insect evidence, research on insect development and succession, reconstructing temperature conditions, analysis of challenging evidence and validation of the protocols for PMI estimation. Signs of minimal insect infestation (e.g., massive putrefaction or mummification)
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