Vol. 9, Special Issue 2, Part H (2025)

Forensic entomology is the study of insects and their developmental stages to assist in criminal investigations, mainly by helping to estimate the time of death and the post-mortem interval (PMI). By analyzing insect evidence on decomposing bodies, forensic entomologists can offer vital insights to determine the timeline of death and assess whether foul play was involved. Typically, the analysis concentrates on blowflies, flesh flies, and beetles, as they are some of the first insects to colonize a corpse. The progression and variety of insect populations can offer crucial clues for forensic investigators. Forensic entomology also applies to cases of neglect, abuse, and wildlife welfare. As a multidisciplinary field, it combines entomology, ecology, and law enforcement techniques, making it an essential tool in investigating death-related crimes. Recent advancements in molecular biology and DNA analysis have improved the precision of insect-based evidence, reinforcing forensic entomology as a vital component of modern forensic science. This review paper offers an overview of the importance of forensic entomology in criminal investigations, highlighting the identification of various insect species at crime scenes, the historical context, the estimation of the post-mortem interval, insect succession across the five stages of carrion decomposition, as well as future prospects and recent advancements in the field.