Forensic Entomology: The Utility of Arthropods in Legal Investigations

Published:
September 28, 2000 by CRC Press - 440 Pages
Editor(s):
Jason H. Byrd, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA; James L. Castner, Pittsburg State University, Kansas, USA

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Hardback
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ISBN 9780849381201
Cat# 8120
 

Features

  • Contains 170 high-quality color photographs of live specimens and distribution maps
  • Contains 200 tables that allows the reader speedy access to precise data
  • Provides complete life-cycle information on insect species
  • Presents the techniques for proper extraction of human DNA from insects
  • Includes detailed references for the identification and dating of insects commonly found around human remains

    • Summary

    Insects and other arthropods found at a death scene can provide corroborating evidence regarding both the time and place of death as well as possible antimortem and postmortem treatment of the victim. Nevertheless, most forensic investigators are not specially trained in entomology, and until now, no entomology reference has fully explored these subjects. Forensic Entomology: The Utility of Arthropods in Legal Investigations usurps this void, instructing even individuals without a background in entomology on what to search for when recovering entomological evidence at a crime scene.

    Table of Contents

    Introduction
    Perceptions and Status of Forensic Entomology, Robert D. Hall
    General Entomology and Arthropod Biology, James L. Castner
    Insects of Forensic Importance, Jason H. Byrd and James L. Castner
    Collection of Entomological Evidence During Death Investigations,Neal H. Haskell, Wayne D. Lord, and Jason H. Byrd
    Laboratory Rearing of Forensic Insects, Jason H. Byrd
    Insect Succession on Carrion and its Relationship to Determining Time of Death, Gail S. Anderson
    The Role of Aquatic Insects in Forensic Investigations, Richard W. Merritt, and John R. Wallace
    Recovering Buried Bodies and Surface Scatter: The Associated Anthropological, Botanical, and Entomological Evidence, Alison Galloway, Heather A. Walsh-Haney, and Jason H. Byrd
    Estimating the Post-Mortem Interval, Jeffery D. Wells and Lynn R. LaMotte
    Insect Development and Forensic Entomology, Leon G. Higley and Neal H. Haskell
    Computer Modeling of Insect Growth and Its Application to Forensic Entomology, Jason H. Byrd and Jon C. Allen
    Entomotoxicology: Insects as Toxicological Indicators and the Impact of Drugs and Toxins on Insect Development, M.L. Goff and Wayne D. Lord
    DNA Techniques for Forensic Entomology, Mark Benecke and Jeffrey D. Wells
    Entomological Alteration of Bloodstain Evidence, Rosemary Brown, Roger Hawkes, M Anderson Parker, Jason H. Byrd
    The Forensic Entomologist as Expert Witness, Robert D. Hall
    Glossary
    Index

    Editorial Reviews

    "…extraordinarily useful for law enforcement personnel, medical examiners, and coroners, and for trial testimony and deposition."
    William F. Hamilton, M.D., Medical Examiner, District 8, State of Florida


    "forensic entomology in criminal investigations, there is much of interest for the more general reader, whether entomologist, pathologist or general physician. …well organized and produced…Moreover, it is, given CRC's reputation for expensive books, surprisingly good value for money."
    -Annals of Tropical Medicine & Parasitology, Vol. 95, No. 6, 637-640 (2001)

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