01,May 2024
The field of forensics that deals with the application of insects and arthropods in civil and criminal case investigation is known as Forensic Entomology. Under this branch, these experts help in the case investigation by determining the location of death, identifying the trauma spots, and establishing linkages between the victim and the suspects by examining the crime scene. If you are someone who finds interest in the study of insects and their relation with the legal domain then you must opt for this field. Here in this blog, we have given the complete details on what is forensic entomology, syllabus, work profile, etc.
What is Forensic Entomology?
Forensic entomology is a branch of forensic science that helps in identifying the cause and manner of death that is due to anaphylactic shock because of insect bites. This branch is used in solving criminal cases that involve insects. This branch plays an important role in analyzing the stages of body decomposition thus helping to answer questions of the law enforcement agencies related to death.
What Do Forensic Entomologists Do?
The primary role of forensic entomologists is to determine the time, cause, and location of the death. These experts help law enforcement agencies by providing relevant answers regarding the demise of a person after examining and analyzing the crime site. These experts open a completely new horizon for crime investigation in cases that involve the presence of arthropods, particularly insects. Some of the most important duties performed by these professionals are mentioned below:
These experts perform the exterior and interior examination of the corpse by examining and analyzing the injuries on the body,
- Collect the relevant evidence that can be presented in the courtroom,
- Determining the cause of death,
- Identify the insects associated with the case,
- Give expert advice to the law enforcement agencies,
- Determine the time since death,
- Utilize insects to identify if the rape victim was drugged or injured during the crime.
Forensic Entomology Syllabus:
Pursuing a degree in forensic psychology is not a usual thing, thus the number of institutes offering this course is also less. The syllabus for this program varies from institute to institute however here we have mentioned some of the common subjects:
| Serial No. | Subject | Syllabus |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Introduction to Insects | Terminology, Biology of insects, Insect anatomy |
| 2. | Introduction to Forensic Entomology | Role in legal investigations, Three areas of the field, Biology of important flies & beetles, Succession & decomposition in relation to insects, Forensic entomology terminology |
| 3. | Proper Documentation, Collection, Preservation & Shipment of Entomological Evidence | Identify insects as evidence, Environment/scene data collection & documentation, Entomological collection kits, Proper collection & preservation, Proper shipment of entomology evidence |
| 4. | Forensic Entomology Analysis & Reports | How evidence is analyzed, Time of colonization determination, DNA evidence, Identifications, Case report overview |
| 5. | Insect physiology-I and Industrial Entomology | Preparation of stained histological slides of the Alimentary canal of cockroach (foregut, midgut, and hindgut), Salivary apparatus of cockroach and Dysdercus, Malpighian tubules of cockroach, Blood cells of cockroach, Reproductive organs of hemi and holometabolous insects, L.S. telo trophic and polytrophic ovarioles, Testis of cockroach and Dysdercus, Demonstration of amylase and proteinase activities of the salivary gland of cockroach, Study of the morphology of eggs of Drosophila, cockroach and Dysdercus, Study of food utilization by silkworm Bombyx mori, Visit to a silkworm rearing/training center, Study of pre- and post-cocooning characteristics of B. mori, Study of silkworm diseases using permanent slides/specimen, Study of the external morphology of different castes of the honey bee and preparation of a permanent mount of sting apparatus |
| 6. | Insect Pests and their Management | Collection and preservation of insects by Dry preservation methods (direct pinning, carding, and pointing), Liquid preservation and processed mounting methods, and Study of key features of insects belonging to economically important insect orders (Orthoptera, Hemiptera, Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, Diptera), Measurement of oxygen consumption in pyrethroid - treated cockroach, Study of pheromone trap, insect probe trap and nephelometer, Study of the antifeedant effect of azadirachtin - based insecticide on grasshoppers, Determination of LC50 of an insecticide using Drosophila melanogaster larvae or Tribolium castaneum, Culture of Dysdercus koenigii/ Bactrocera cucurbitae, Monitoring insect pest population of Bactrocera dorsalis by using sex pheromone analogues, Study of insecticide appliances |
| 7. | Endocrine organs and hormones | Historical perspective; Endocrine glands and concept of neurosecretion; Juvenile Hormone: Introduction, chemistry and agonists, Function and catabolism; Mode of action; Ecdysteroids; Cholesterol trafficking in steroidogenic cells; Ecdysteroid receptor (history, structure, and evolution); Function and mode of action; Vertebrate hormones in insects |
| 8. | Bioluminescence | Light producing organ; Mechanism of light production; Control and significance of light production |
Specializations in Forensic Entomology:
Though when we talk about forensic entomologists we assume that they only work with insects, but this is not true. There are some specializations associated with this branch and we have given them below to give you an overview of the same:
1. Medico-criminal Entomology: This type of entomology involves the study of insects as evidence in criminal cases like homicide, suicides, abuse of young or elderly people, and illicit drug use by individuals. This specialization is considered to be the most important profile of forensic entomology.
2. Medical Entomology: The discipline of forensic entomology that focuses on the study of insects for the purpose of medical use and their impact on the mental and physical health of humans is known as medical entomology. Some of the top examples of insects that are studied under this branch are mosquitoes, lice, flies, etc. It includes the research on behavior, ecology, etc. of the insects.
3. Stored Product Entomology: This specialization of entomology involves the study of insects that infect the food products that are stored at home. This branch deals with the prevention, detection, and eradication of ill effects of insects.
4. Veterinary Entomology: This branch of entomology deals with the biology and control of arthropods which are of veterinary, medical, or forensic importance. Major arthropods that are studied under this branch are insects, mites, and ticks.
Equipment Used In Forensic Entomology:
For the examination of the crime scene and the objects present at the scene, various equipment are used by these experts. These equipments are important in the crime investigation since they help in the proper collection of the evidence associated with the crime. Some of the equipments used by them are given below:
1. Nets: Since this branch deals with the insects they require nets to collect them. The nets required by these experts must be made of polyester along with a muslin ring band.
2. Vials: These professionals use vials to store the samples collected from the insects. There are two types of vials that are used in entomology for the purpose of storing samples:
- For Short-term Storage: Cases where the fluids are collected and stored for a short time period use a screw-cap type of vial. These vials are not suitable for long-duration preservation because it has a foil inserted in the lid thus leading to evaporation of the sample and thus requiring periodic maintenance which is undesirable.
- For Long-term Storage: Cases that require samples or evidence fluids to be stored for a longer duration use vials that have a neoprene cone inserted in the lid and thus it reduces evaporation to an almost negligible level.
3. Forceps: These experts use forceps to collect the specimens without causing damage to them. These forceps are made up of flexible metal that prevents the insect body from being damaged.
4. Collection Containers: To store evidence from these insects, it is mandatory that they are kept alive and thus it is important to ensure their survival which is done through a tight fitted lid.
Career Options After Forensic Entomology:
After the completion of graduation in forensic entomology, students get the option of working with several organizations. It is a preconceived notion that after pursuing entomology you can only work in the laboratories but it is not true. Some of the top job options that such candidates have are mentioned below:
- Pathology Associate,
- Chemical Technician,
- Forensic Consultant,
- Crime Scene Technician,
- Research Specialists,
- Environmental Scientists,
- Professor,
- Microbiologists,
- Ecologists.
Forensic Entomology Salary:
Since this job is a complex one, it requires an individual to be a critical thinker and attentive examiner. These experts are required to interact with most fragile organisms that are insects and thus the salaries offered to such professionals attract individuals towards it. The benefits such experts get under this job profile are lucrative. Here in the table below we have mentioned the salary structure for the same to give you a better understanding.
| Serial No. | Job Profiles | Salary (Per Annum) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Pathology Associate | 13 Lakhs |
| 2. | Chemical Technician | 10 Lakhs |
| 3. | Forensic Consultant | 12 Lakhs |
| 4. | Crime Scene Technician | 10 Lakhs |
| 5. | Research Specialists | 15 Lakhs |
| 6. | Environmental Scientists | 14 Lakhs |
| 7. | Professor | 9 Lakhs |
| 8. | Microbiologists | 7 Lakhs |
This field is yet another challenging and exciting branch of forensic science. Someone who has an interest in the study of insects and their impact on human should undoubtedly opt for this branch and make their career in the concerned field.
References:
- https://www.sfu.ca/~ganderso /forensicentomology.html
- https://emedicine.medscape.com /article/1780557-overview?form=fpf
- https://www.ifsedu.in/forensic- entomology/#:~:text=Course% 20Contents%20%3A%20An%20 Introduction%20to,death% 3B%20The%20use %20of%20insects
- http://www.forensicpieces.com/ lists/2-course-descriptions/items/428-basic-forensic-entomology
- https://www.forensic-entomology .com/scene-collection/equipment/