Forensic entomology: Applications in investigations

Abstract

Insects are arguably the first witnesses to any crime on the  account of them being the largest class amongst the Animal  domain. Use of insects for investigating crimes began as early as  th 12 century AD, in China, where detectives kept flies in boxes  and used them as an investigative aid. According to the legend,  the flies once let loose by the investigators, would seek out  traces of evidences invisible to the naked eye. In 1235, Sung  Tzu, a judicial intendant in China, authored the first book  showcasing use of flies in criminal investigation. These  episodes marked the beginning of Forensic Entomology, the  science that involves use of insect related evidences in criminal  investigation. Over the years, Forensic Entomology diverged