Estimating the Post-mortem Interval in Decomposing Bodies Using Entomology as a Tool

Forensic Entomology is nothing but the study of insects and other arthropods that inhabit decomposing remains which can be used as a tool to aid legal investigations. One of which, is estimating the post-mortem interval by studying the life cycle of the carrion flies involved in the decay of corpses in correlation with the state of decomposition of the body. The aim of this study was to estimate the post-mortem interval by studying the life cycle of carrion flies from eggs to adults under different cyclic temperature regimes and the data obtained to be used as reference to estimate the post mortem interval in decomposing bodies in future. Sample of different stages of the carrion flies (eggs, larvae, pupae and adult flies) was collected from different parts of the body, reared in meat media and their life cycle was recorded. A total of 17 cases were covered in this study.