Forensic entomology is the application of insect biology to legal investigations, particularly in estimating the postmortem interval (PMI) through the study of insects found on decomposing remains. Here are several key references that provide comprehensive information on the role of insect evidence in forensic entomology:
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"Forensic Entomology: The Utility of Arthropods in Legal Investigations" by Jason H. Byrd and James L. Castner (Editors) – This book is a thorough and widely cited reference in the field, covering various aspects of forensic entomology, including insect life cycles, collection methods, and case studies.
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"Entomology and Death: A Procedural Guide" by M. Lee Goff – This book provides an overview of the use of insects in death investigations and covers practical procedures involved in collecting and analyzing entomological evidence.
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"Forensic Entomology: An Introduction" by Michael A. McKinnon and John L. D. Cook – This text is an accessible introduction to forensic entomology, discussing the fundamental concepts as well as practical applications in the field.
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"Insect Mass Rearing for Biological Control" by David P. O'Grady and Jeffrey W. Shultz – While focusing mainly on insect mass rearing techniques, it provides insights into the biology and ecology of the insects commonly used in forensic investigations.
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"Forensic Science: An Introduction to Scientific and Investigative Techniques" edited by Stuart H. James and Jon J. Nordby – This book encompasses various forensic science disciplines, including a chapter specific to forensic entomology detailing methodologies and case studies.
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Journal Articles:
- Articles published in journals such as Journal of Medical Entomology, Forensic Science International, and Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology often provide the latest research findings and case studies in forensic entomology.
These references should provide a solid foundation for understanding the critical role of insect evidence in forensic investigations.