International Journal of Entomology Research

Authors
Aleena Elizabeth Cyril, Madona Mathew

Abstract
Forensic entomology relies on natural processes occurring in insects which form evidence in solving medicolegal cases. Post Mortem Interval [PMI] calculation is a major part of forensic entomology. Insect successional wave and maggot development stages are mostly used for PMI calculation. A basic knowledge of the lifecycle of insects associated with a corpse and their succession is vital to this. The paper deals with the biology of major carrion insects of Diptera, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera and their interactions with the corpse. The insect attractants like apneumones emitting from a corpse, synomones from microbes on a corpse and various volatile compounds that form during the decaying process are discussed. Various stages of corpse decomposition and the factors affecting it are also reviewed.