A forensic entomologist is a scientist who investigates insects found at violent crime scenes in order to assist law enforcement agencies in determining the circumstances and perpetrators. She usually collaborates with a number of organizations that provide her with laboratories in which to study the specimens she collects. Her job could be as a full-time employee or as an independent contractor. A number of forensic entomologists also work as professors or researchers at colleges or universities.
For someone in this position, gathering evidence at a crime scene takes a long time. She is usually expected to collect insects from the skin, clothing, jewelry, and orifices of the body. Insects that may have been on the perpetrator are frequently examined in the immediate vicinity of the body. By examining various aspects of the insects, such as their type, developmental stage, or the damage they’ve caused to the body, it’s possible to estimate when the crime took place.
In most cases, the local climate plays a role in the investigation. The entomologist can usually determine the life stages of the insects at the scene by studying weather patterns prior to and after the criminal act. By noting which insects were present during hot, cold, or wet weather, and when they were on the body or in the surrounding area, she can narrow down the time of death.
The forensic entomologist can learn a lot about the body by looking at the insects on it. If the insects are maggots, for example, their growth and stage of development reveal how long they have been on the body, allowing the time of death to be determined. Other insects, both dead and alive, can be examined to see if they are native to the area or if the perpetrator or victim brought them there.
Because the evidence collected by a forensic entomologist must be admissible in court, she is usually required to follow strict collection and storage guidelines. While following these rules does not ensure that the evidence is admissible, it does protect against the most common errors. During this phase of the investigation, the entomologist is frequently accompanied by a law enforcement officer to ensure that the proper procedures are followed.
To become a forensic entomologist, you’ll need a lot of education. To begin, you must have a bachelor’s degree in entomology or forensic science. Following that, a person interested in this position typically enrolls in forensic entomology classes while pursuing a master’s degree in the field. Internships are frequently required for this position in order to provide candidates with hands-on experience in the field under the supervision of a forensic entomologist.