The UNL Forensic and Entomology Departments has conducted pig research the last two summers to observe how insect species visit the bodies of deceased pigs in different scenarios (control, hanging, in the trunk of a car, and clothed). At a death scene, insects visit a body in a fairly predictable pattern, or succession. Knowing what insects are associated with which stage of decomposition can help law enforcement in the field determine post mortem interval and help in solving crimes.
Forensic Entomology is the scientific study of insects and their use in legal investigations. Forensic insect evidence is important for investigations of civil, criminal, administrative, and government national security issues. The findings from the study will be presented at the Science Cafe on August 27th at The Happy Raven from 6:30-8pm. For more information on the event please visit: http://museum.unl.edu/sciencecafe/.
Pictured above from left to right: Justine LaViolette, UNL Entomology Graduate Student, Erin Bauer, UNL Entomology Department, Larry Barksdale, UNL Forensic Science Department, and Emma Sidel, UNL Forensic Science Undergraduate student.