Progress in research on the estimating time of death based on insect evidence

Author of the article:WU Shi-Hao； WANG Ji-Fen；BAI Hai-Tao；ZHANG Zhen；LU Peng-Wu

Author's Workplace：School of Investigation, People’s Public Security University of China, Beijing 100038, China; Criminal Investigation Detachment of Taiyuan Public Security Bureau in Shanxi Province, Taiyuan 030000, China; School of Public Security Administration, People’s Public Security University of China, Beijing 100038, China

Key Words：forensic entomology; postmortem interval; sarcosaphagous insects; insect faunal succession; developmental model

Abstract：Estimating of time of death is the first problem to be solved in forensic entomology. The development and faunal succession of insects on cadavers has certain rules, which can be used to estimate the time of death. This paper reviews the collection and identification of insects commonly used to estimate the time of death, progress in research on insect development and succession, factors affecting the estimation of time of death and challenges in forensic entomology. In addition, future prospects for progressing the application of forensic entomology in China are presented.