What is the purpose of forensic entomology in death investigations?

Forensic entomology plays a crucial role in death investigations by utilizing the life cycles of insects to estimate the time since death. Insects, particularly blowflies, are often among the first organisms to arrive at a decaying body. By examining the species of insects present and their developmental stages, forensic entomologists can provide valuable information about the timing of a person's death. The temperature and environmental conditions at the crime scene also influence insect development, allowing for a more precise analysis. This method is especially useful in cases where the time of death is difficult to determine through traditional forensic methods.

In contrast with other aspects of forensic investigation, such as analyzing blood samples, identifying toxins, or reconstructing a crime scene layout, forensic entomology offers a unique biological perspective that is specifically focused on understanding the chronological aspects of a post-mortem interval.