FE PRESENTATION RECORDING #5 CRIME SCENE/TOOLS

Insect development in a corpse is influenced by external factors, especially temperature. Forensic entomologists measure the growth rate of bugs in a corpse to calculate PMI. Other factors like climate, season, and habitat also affect the placement of fly species. Whether the corpse is inside or outside affects the preparation of forensic entomologists. They document the environment, take samples of insects, and need specific equipment like forceps, storage tubes, and protective clothing. Insect development in a corpse can be affected by many external factors, especially when the corpse is outside. Temperature is one of the most influential factors as insects have a temperature range which is a specific range of temperature for which insects can live in. Within the temperature range, the hotter it is, the faster the growth rate of bugs inside a corpse. In order to help calculate PMI, forensic entomologists will measure the growth rate of bugs in a corpse by using specific temperature time units. The other external factors taken into account when analyzing entomological evidence include the climate, the season, and the habitat, as they are also able to affect the placement of fly species. Whether or not the corpse is inside or outside is very important to the forensic entomologist as it affects their preparation. When the forensic entomologist arrives at the crime scene, their goal is to document the environment around the body and take samples of insects from the body and around the body. These samples of insects should be in various life stages to help calculate PMI. Before arriving at the crime scene, the forensic entomologist should have all of the following equipment ready in a clean, solid toolbox. Forceps, a teaspoon, storage tubes, labels for specimens, 80% ethanol, protective clothing, tape measure, a notebook, pens and pencils, a digital camera, and more.