Introduction
Forensic entomology defines the use of insects and other arthropods in investigating the crime scene to determine postmortem interval (PMI) in cases of missing or dead victims. The life stage of the arthropods present on the scene is critical in determining the PMI. The most prominent insects in forensic entomology consist of moths, flies, or beetles. Collecting and handling specimens on-scene does not require any special training. However, proper collection methods and handling of these specimens are vital in ensuring that the investigation provides the most accurate results possible. Besides, it also ensures protection, preservation, and minimizing any harm to the specimen.
Among the leading drawbacks of forensic entomology is the death of the arthropods used as specimens. In her work, Volckaert argues that the death of these arthropods may happen way earlier in the process before even conducting a proper forensic analysis (Volckaert 9). These deaths may also result from the deceased’s condition or the inappropriate collection and handling of equipment. Volckaert further posits that arthropods have specific optimal breeding conditions, without which it is impossible to keep them alive (Volckaert 9). Hence, the survivability of these arthropods is compromised under such conditions.
Handling and collecting study specimens have been among the leading challenges in the use of arthropods in forensic science. In most cases, the specimen ended up either being damaged or dead. To some extent, during the collection process, the deceased was also damaged. These unfortunate occurrences are undesirable (Kotzé et al. 283). They have the potential to distort evidence, which provides inaccurate information.
Consequently, it is vital that during the collection and handling of these arthropods, their lives are given the highest priority. This will contribute immensely toward guaranteeing high chances of the accuracy of the investigation of the time lapse since the death of the deceased. Following this observation, it is critical to relook into methods of collecting and handling arthropods used in forensic entomology. These new methods should increase anthropods, survivability chances, and the possibility of getting accurate information regarding the deceased and the PMI. Consequently, this paper proposes a research study that investigates the best method of collecting and handling arthropods used in forensic entomology.
Hypothesis
- H0: Over 50% of the on-scene collected arthropods will not die by the end of the forensic entomology experiment to determine the lapse time from death.
- H1: Over 50% of the on-scene collected arthropods will die by the end of the forensic entomology experiment to determine the lapse time from death.
General Procedure
This research will entail collecting relevant instruments for the experiment. This stage will be allocated three days to ensure no rush for the exercise. This ample time will be vital in maximizing the accuracy of assembling every critical tool. Since the study will involve experimenting with various methods of collecting and handling the specimens, it will be vital that all instruments for these varying methods are found in good time. Hence, there will be sufficient time for this to happen.
Following the assembly of the necessary tools and instruments, the actual collection of the specimens will be up next. A trip to the field will be organized and executed in the following two days. The goal will be to find a dead/decaying organism infested with arthropods. Since it has yet to be promised that there will be easily available dead/decaying organisms, the two days will provide a good grace period to land at least one organism.
Various methods of collecting and handling insects living on the dead/decaying organism will be used depending on the available tools and instruments. During this exercise, utmost care will be mandatory to reduce the chances of harming insects and other arthropods. It will ensure that the right of the arthropods to lead their lives normally is maintained. The arthropods will then be handled in groups of their collection methods used.
The last step will be observing the behaviors and coping of the collected arthropods from the dead/decaying organism to their new environment. This exercise will take a maximum of three days. Observing these organisms will assume that there was no harm or mishandling of these arthropods while collecting and handling them unless it only happened accidentally. Thus, the goal will be to ensure that these arthropods survive as much as possible by providing them with the most conducive environment possible. Hence, by the end of the three days, it will be possible to tell the number of the arthropods that survived, were harmed, or died. It will also be possible to assess the likely reasons leading to the death of the dead arthropods. Lastly, it will be possible to tell the best collection and handling methods that guarantee minimal harm and death to the arthropods.
Conclusion
The use of forensic entomology is one of the effective ways of determining PMI. However, it comes with challenges, including careful collection and handling of the arthropods used as specimens. These arthropods risk damage and death during their collection and handling. Hence, there is a need to relook at various ways of collecting and handling these specimens to increase their survivability chances. As a result, this paper proposes a research study to find new ways to realize such methods as described above.
Works Cited
Kotzé, Zanthé, et al. “The Forensic Entomology Case Report—A Global Perspective.” Insects, vol. 12, no. 4, MDPI AG. 2021, p. 283. Web.
Volckaert, Helena. “Current Applications and Limitations of Forensic Entomology.” Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science, vol. 8, no. 1, San Jose State University Library, 2020. Web.