Crawling clues: A comprehensive review on forensic entomology

Abstract

Forensic entomology, the application of insect study in criminal investigations, has become an invaluable tool in forensic science. Insects, especially species of flies and beetles, are instrumental in determining critical forensic details such as the postmortem interval (PMI), the location and movement of a body, and sometimes the cause of death. This review explores the key insect species involved in forensic cases, outlines the techniques used to analyze insect evidence, and examines the challenges encountered in this field. As advancements in molecular biology and environmental analysis progress, forensic entomology continues to refine its methods, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of insect evidence in solving crimes.