Introduction

In Forensic Entomology, entomotoxicology is the analysis of toxins in arthropods that feed on carrion. Using arthropods in a corpse or at a crime scene, investigators can determine whether toxins were present in a body at the time of death. This technique is a major advance in forensics; previously, such determinations were impossible in the case of severely decomposed bodies devoid of intoxicated tissue and bodily fluids. Ongoing research into the effects of toxins on arthropod development has also allowed better estimations of postmortem intervals.

Forensic Entomotoxicology is used in various ways like drug abuse detested, aid determination of origin, toxin confounding of postmortem interval estimate, use of shed casings and insect faeces. Different types of insects help for this process.

Methods involved in entomotoxicology

The first type of insect to arrive at a dead body is usually a blowfly (Calliphoridae), attracted by body fluids and gases. It lays its eggs within two days after death, so its stage of development: egg, larval stages, prepupal or pupal stage, and adulthood: will suggest how long the corpse has been lying undetected. Ambient conditions affect both how soon after death the blowflies arrive and how quickly the maggots develop. Then, as the body decays due to microbial fermentation, flesh flies (Sarcophagidae) are attracted to it.

Later, decomposition of body fat attracts hide beetles, and a Pyralid moth in the genus Aglossa might arrive. And after three to six months, protein breakdown attracts other insects, such as the cheese skipper Piophila casei. Necrophagous species, also called carrion feeders (mainly flies and beetles) actually consume dead flesh. Others, like Rove Beetles (Staphylinidae) are predatory on the carrion feeders. If blowflies are found on a corpse which is in a closed environment that could mean that the body might have been moved there after death. In the colder months the winter gnats (Trichoceridae) may lay eggs on a carcass. Conicera tibialis, the coffin-fly, is associated with coffined bodies that have been underground for about a year.

The adult can bury to a depth of 50 cm in about four days. Its development is slow at normal grave depths (1 - 2 metres) and takes place independently of the seasons. The Coelopidae flies, which are identifiable from their flattened thoracic dorsum and bristly legs, occur along the seashore, and could be evidence that the body has lain on a beach. Insects can also be useful in less grizzly cases - for example, they can help identify the source of illegal drugs. If the drugs have been imported, foreign stored product pests may be present in the drug consignment.

Effects of drugs

Drugs can have a variety of effects on development rates of arthropods. Drugs like morphine, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine are commonly involved in cases where forensic entomology is used. The stages of growth for insects provide a basis for determining a cause in altered cycles in a specific species. An altered stage in development can often indicate toxins in the carrion on which the insects are feeding.

The Journal of “Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Research” is using Editorial Tracking System to maintain quality and transparency to the author in the peer-review process. Review processing will be performed by the editorial board members of the Journal of “Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Research” or by Reviewers (outside experts in the field). Two independent reviewer’s approval (Minimum reviewer’s approval) followed by editor approval is obligatory for acceptance of any manuscript excluding an editorial.

Regards

Mary Wilson

Editorial office

Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Research

E-mail: pharmatoxicol@eclinicalsci.com