The Hidden Witnesses to Murders

An Introduction to Forensic Entomology

Abstract

Forensic entomology, the study of insects in legal investigations, plays a crucial role in determining the postmortem interval (PMI) and other factors that can help determine the time since death. For instance, forensic entomology has applications in identifying toxicological influences and helping re­construct potential crime scenes. This article aims to provide an overview of forensic entomology in the context of how it is used to determine the postmortem interval, providing a general overview of the techniques used-such as successional waves and entomotoxicology-and highlighting its significance in its field. Furthermore, future implications and interdisciplinary collaborations will be explored, redefining the field with new technological innovation. However, potentially concerning impacts from climate change may arise as a result. By highlighting both the present and future, this article aims to showcase the nature of forensic entomology in modern criminal investigations as a valuable tool to bring justice to victims of violent crime.