ENTOMOLOGI FORENSIK

Tinjauan dari biologi serangga

Oleh:
Dr. RC Hidayat Soesilohadi, MS
Laboratory of Entomology
Faculty of Biology UGM
Serangga: Classis Insecta:
900.000 spesies serangga telah terdeskripsikan, dan masih banyak yang belum
terdeksipsikan.
•Peran serangga dalam ekosistem alami
•Peran dalam agroekosistem PERILAKU
•Peran dalam kesehatan SERANGGA
•Peran dalam forensik

T RIS
S EN
PO 1. USEFUL
T RO
AN 2. DESTRUCTIVE
What Entomology is
Entomology is science of insects. Suatu studi untuk memperoleh
pengetahuan pada semua kehidupan serangga untuk memahami
peran serangga di alam

Entomology adalah biological science. Mempelajari kehidupan

dengan fokus utama pada satu bentuk hidup, serangga

Entomologist, merupakan seorang spesialis dalam entomology

• Forensic entomology was first reported to have been used in 13th
Century China and was used sporadically in the 19th Century and
the early part of the 20th Century, playing a part in some very
major cases. However, in the last 15 years, forensic entomology
has become more and more common in police investigations.

• Most cases that involve a forensic entomologist are 72 h or more

old, as up until this time, other forensic methods are equally or
more accurate than the insect evidence. However, after three
days, insect evidence is often the most accurate and sometimes
the only method of determining elapsed time since death.
There are two main ways of using insects to determine elapsed time since
death :

•using successional waves of insects

•using maggot age and development.

The method used is determined by the circumstances of each case.

In general, the first method is used when the corpse has been dead for
between a month up to a year or more, and the second method is used
when death occurred less than a month prior to discovery.
• The first method is based on the fact that a human body, or any kind of
carrion, supports a very rapidly changing ecosystem going from the fresh
state to dry bones in a matter of weeks or months depending on geographic
region.

• During this decomposition, the remains go through rapid physical, biological

and chemical changes, and different stages of the decomposition are
attractive to different species of insects.

• Certain species of insects are often the first witnesses to a crime. They
usually arrive within 24 h of death if the season is suitable i.e. spring,
summer or fall in Canada and can arrive within minutes in the presence of
blood or other body fluids.

• These first groups of insects are the Calliphoridae or blowflies and the
Muscidae or houseflies.

• Other species are not interested in the corpse when the body is fresh, but
are only attracted to the corpse later (Piophilidae or cheese skippers which
arrive later, during protein fermentation).
• Some insects are not attracted by the body directly, but arrive to
feed on the other insects at the scene. Many species are
involved at each decomposition stage and each group of insects
overlaps the ones adjacent to it somewhat.
• Therefore, with a knowledge of the regional insect fauna and
times of carrion colonization, the insect assemblage associated
with the remains can be analyzed to determine a window of time
in which death took place.
• This method is used when the decedent has been dead from a
few weeks up to a year, or in some cases several years after
death, with the estimated window of time broadening as time
since death increases. It can also be used to indicate the season
of death e.g. early summer.
• A knowledge of insect succession is required for this method to
be successful.
• The second method, that of using maggot age and development can give a date
of death accurate to a day or less, or a range of days, and is used in the first few
weeks after death.

• Maggots are larvae or immature stages of Diptera or two-winged flies. The

insects used in this method are those that arrive first on the corpse, that is, the
Calliphoridae or blowflies.

• These flies are attracted to a corpse very soon after death. They lay their eggs
on the corpse, usually in a wound, if present, or if not, then in any of the natural
orifices. Their development follows a set, predictable, cycle.
• The insect egg is laid in batches on the corpse and hatches, after a set
period of time, into a first instar (or stage) larva.

• The larva feeds on the corpse and moults into a second instar larva. The
larva continues to feed and develop into a third instar larva. The stage can
be determined by size and the number of spiracles (breathing holes).

• When in the third instar, the larva continues to feed for a while then it
stops feeding and wanders away from the corpse, either into the clothes or
the soil, to find a safe place to pupate.

• This non-feeding wandering stage is called a prepupa. The larva then

loosens itself from its outer skin, but remains inside. This outer shell
hardens, or tans, into a hard protective outer shell, or pupal case, which
shields the insect as it metamorphoses into an adult. Freshly formed pupae
are pale in colour, but darken to a deep brown in a few hours.

• After a number of days, an adult fly will emerge from the pupa and the
cycle will begin again. When the adult has emerged, the empty pupal case
is left behind as evidence that a fly developed and emerged.
• Each of these developmental stages takes a set, known time. This time period is
based on the availability of food and the temperature. In the case of a human
corpse, food availability is not usually a limiting factor.

• Insects are 'cold blooded', so their development is extremely temperature

dependent. Their metabolic rate is increased with increased temperature, which
results in a faster rate of development, so that the duration of development
decreases in a linear manner with increased temperature, and vice-versa.

• An analysis of the oldest stage of insect on the corpse and the temperature of the
region in which the body was discovered leads to a day or range of days in which
the first insects oviposited or laid eggs on the corpse. This, in turn, leads to a day,
or range of days, during which death occurred. For example, if the oldest insects
are 7 days old, then the decedent has been dead for at least 7 days.

• This method can be used until the first adults begin to emerge, after which it is not
possible to determine which generation is present. Therefore, after a single blowfly
generation has been completed, the time of death is determined using the first
method, that of insect succession.
COLLECTING, PRESERVING AND PACKAGING SPECIMENS
Collection
•Samples of insects of all stages should be collected from different areas of the
body, from the clothing and from the soil/carpet etc. Insects will often congregate in
wounds and in and around natural orifices.

•The two main insect groups on bodies are flies (Diptera) and beetles (Coleoptera).

•Both types of insect look very different at different stages of their lives.
•Flies can be found as:-
•eggs (in egg masses usually)
•larvae or maggots (in a range of sizes from 1-2 mm to 17 mm)
•pupae and/or empty pupal cases
•adults.
• Eggs - are very tiny, but are usually laid in clumps or masses, and are
usually found in a wound or natural orifice, but may be found on clothing
etc.
• They can be collected with a child's paint brush dipped in water or with
forceps. Half should be preserved in 75% alcohol or 50% isopropyl
alcohol. The rest should be placed in a vial with a little damp tissue
paper to prevent dehydration.
• If it will be more than a few hours before the entomologist receives
them, they should also be given a small piece of beef liver.
• Make sure there is tissue or sawdust present if liver is added, to prevent
drowning. They need some air. Newly emerged maggots can escape
through holes, so a paper towel held over the top of the vial with a
rubber band is excellent, as long as the vial stays upright! (No lid other
than the paper towel is needed).
• When collected, a proportion of the larvae should be preserved
immediately for two reasons. Firstly, to show the entomologist, if s/he
is not present at the scene, what stage the larvae were when
collected, as if they are then placed on meat, they will continue to
develop, giving a misleading impression to the entomologist when they
are examined. Secondly, to produce as evidence in court.
• If there are lots of maggots on the body, preserve approximately half
of all sizes. If there are only 20-30, preserve 1 or 2
• Preserve the specimens by immersing them in hot water for a few
minutes, then putting them in 70% alcohol or 50% isopropyl alcohol. If
no hot water available, put straight in preservative.
• Don't forget that most should be kept alive. A sample should contain
about 100 maggots (of each size if possible).
The living specimens should be placed in a vial, with air and food, as
for the eggs. There should be only enough maggots to cover the
bottom of the vial. Too many in one vial will drown.
• Pupae and Empty Pupal Cases - these are extremely important and are easy
to miss. They are often found in clothing, hair or soil near the body. Pupae
like dry, secure areas away from the wet food source in which to pupate so
pockets, seams and cuffs are likely hiding places.
• If the remains are found indoors, they may have traveled some distance and
be under clothing, rugs, boxes etc. They range from 2-20 mm, and are oval,
like a football. They are dark brown when completely tanned. An empty pupal
case is very similar but is open at one end, where the adult fly has emerged.
They need some air, so secure a paper towel over vial as for eggs, as although
the pupae are immobile, if they emerge during transit, an adult can get out of
anything!
• A piece of tissue in the vial will help to avoid breakage as they are quite
vulnerable. This can be very slightly moistened with water, but be careful not
to drown them. The moisture isn't necessary if the journey is not long.
• Do not preserve pupae! They won't grow, so the reasons for preserving
larvae do not apply, and it is almost impossible to identify a pupa until it
emerges as an adult. I also cannot determine its exact age until I find out the
day on which it emerges. If a pupa is found when a pale colour, it is just
entering pupation, so please keep that specimen separate and label as pale
coloured, as it will darken in a few hours. Such a specimen can be aged to a
matter of hours.
• Adult Flies - are less important. They are only of use in indicating
which species of insect are likely to develop from the corpse, as
you cannot determine whether an adult has developed on the
corpse, or has just arrived from somewhere else to oviposit, unless
it emerged only an hour or so earlier. If an adult has crumpled
wings, it may have just emerged, so IS still important as it can be
linked to the body. It should be collected, labeled as such, and kept
separate.
• Adults can be collected by net or by using an inverted vial. They
can be left in the vial without air or food, as I will kill them as soon
as I receive them. The presence of empty pupal cases, however,
indicates that an insect has developed on the corpse and reached
adulthood. This can be very important as it indicates that at least
one generation of flies of this species has completed development
on the corpse.
• Beetles - can be found as adults, larvae or grubs, pupae and also
as cast skins. All stages are equally important. They move fast and
are often found under the body, and in and under clothing. They
can be placed in vials with some air. They only need to be fed if it
will be more than 24h before they reach an entomologist. If
necessary they can be fed extra maggots. They are cannibals so
should not be placed in the same vial!!

• Other Insects - other insects may be present. If you are not sure
whether it's an insect, collect it anyway and place in a vial.

• Other Samples - Soil and leaf litter samples will also be useful.
About a coffee can size of soil from under of very near the body is
useful. If the soil below the body is extremely wet, it is better to
collect the soil from near the remains.
Although forensic entomology can be very effective in determining elapsed time since
death, it has its limitations :-
1.The temperature of the death site is obviously a very important factor, but few
criminals are thoughtful enough to kill their victim right underneath a weather station!
In most cases, the weather records come from several miles away. We are trying to
overcome this by setting up a miniature weather station at the death site after
discovery, to compare these data with that from the weather station, in order to
determine the difference between the two sites, if any. Also the microclimate of the
corpse itself will be slightly different from the surrounding area, especially if a maggot
mass is present. Therefore, it is extremely important to know whether masses are
present.\

2.Forensic entomology in Canada is seasonal, that is, it is only commonly used in

spring, summer, and fall when insects are abundant. It is of less use in winter, unless
its very mild, as there are no or very few insects present. This can be a limitation, but
can also be an advantage as I can sometimes show that a victim found in spring was
killed the previous fall if insect evidence is present.

3.The results are not immediate, as it takes time to rear the insects. DNA evidence is
now being developed to speed up identification of immature specimens.
4. The body may have been disposed of in a way that excludes insects e.g.
a) freezing - if the body was frozen for a period of time before being placed outside on, for example, 8
May, the insects would only invade then, giving the misleading impression that death had occurred
on 8 May. However, other forensic experts would be able to determine whether or not the body
has been frozen, and insect evidence will still determine time of exposure.
b) burial - if the body is buried deeply, then most insects will be excluded. However, most criminal
burials are not very deep, as the aim is merely to conceal the body, and most insects will dig down
to the body, particularly if there is blood soaked in the soil. Therefore, insect evidence can still be
used. We have an estensive database for buried bodies in BC
c) wrapped - if the body is wrapped or packaged in some way the insects may be excluded, but the
wrapping must be completely secure. A body part was found sealed in a garbage bag which had
been tied securely at the top, but the remains were maggot-infested, and showed severe insect
damage. The adult females had probably laid their eggs at the knot, and the minute first instar
larvae had crawled in.
5. More research is needed. Insect succession varies from geographic region to region and the
species and time of colonization must be developed for all areas using this type of evidence.
Research has been conducted in British Columbia in a variety of habitats, seasons and geographic
areas to develop a database for this Province. It is intended that this will be extended across
Canada.
6. Drugs - the presence of drugs may affect the development of the insects. Work is planned to
determine effects of common narcotics on insects in Canada
In conclusion, INSECTS ARE EVIDENCE! Forensic entomology is a
very useful method of determining elapsed time since death after 72
h. It is accurate to a day or less, or a range of days, and may be the
only method available to determine elapsed time since death. It is
vital that the insects are collected properly and its accuracy depends
on this and on suitable conditions for insects.
Blowfly Introduction
•The blow fly lays its eggs on dead animals to provide food for its carnivorous
larvae as they hatch. This means that in nature, the life cycle of the blow fly is
part of the decomposition process of dead bodies. The study of this phenomenon
by entomologists has lead to our ability to estimate the time since death by
examining which stage of growth blow fly is in when found on the cadaver.
•The forensic entomologist conducts examinations at crime scenes and
examines the insect evidence found there to bring evidence to court cases
involving human cadavers.
•To make a determination, the scientist makes visual observations, collects
insect evidence, determines the stages of development, and calculates the time
of initial deposit of the blow fly eggs on the cadaver.
•In the laboratory the scientist rears collected specimens to confirm the species
and more accurately establish the stage of growth. They then compile their
findings and make a “best guess estimate” as to how long the cadaver has been
dead.
• A more precise way to determine age of larvae and eggs is the use of rearing. For
example: the body is found with masses of eggs on it, none have hatched. How
long time is it since the eggs was oviposited ? Note the time of the discovery, note
the time when the first 1. instar larvae occur. Subtract the first occurrence time
with the discovery time, call this time A. Rear the blow flies to adults, let them
mate, let them lay eggs on raw beef liver under conditions similar to the crime
scene, take the time from oviposition to the first occurrence of 1. instar larvae. Call
this time B. By subtracting B-A, one gets C, which is an estimate of the time since
oviposition to discovery. Similar calculations can be done for other instars as well.
If one has good base-line data from before under different temperatures and for
different species, one only needs to rear the flies to a stage where they can be
identified, and that is the third stage or the adult stage.
• One important biological phenomenon that occurs on cadavers are a succession
of organisms that thrive on the different parts. E.g. beetles that specialize on bone,
will have to wait until bone is exposed. Predatory rove beetles or parasites that
feed on maggots will have to wait until the blow flies arrive and lay their eggs.
• The succession on cadavers happens in a fairly predictable sequence and
can be used in estimating time of death if the body has been lying around
for some time.
• There are several things to note about this table:
The first groups to arrive is blow flies, followed shortly by staphylinids. As
putrefaction develops, more groups arrive at the scene, with most groups
present just before the body is drying out due to seepage of liquids. After
the body is drying out, dermestids, tineids and certain mites will be the
dominant animal groups on the body, and blow flies will gradually vanish.
Note also how the fauna changes in the soil. This can also be used to
estimate time since death.
• Succession data can be incorporated in a database, and when the forensic
entomologist investigates a case, he can use the taxa found on the body as
input, and get an estimate of the time of death as output.