A discussion of forensic sciences would not be complete without mentioning forensic entomology-the study of insects and arthropods that inhabit decomposing remains. We're talking maggots and flies, mites and beetles. Icky to some, indeed, but to others, very intriguing, especially those interested in determining the time or post-mortem interval and location of a death.
Dr. Goff dives deep into the various species that visit the dead, and describes how they arrive in a very specific order and stay for a set amount of time. Maggots go through stages of development and leave behind evidence of their growth that an entomologist can use to determine how long a body has been exposed to insect activity.
This varies by location and weather, of course, and a local specialist is always best to use in cases where insect activity is investigated. Goff works in Hawaii and is very familiar with the species found locally. He consults with other entomologists when he takes a case stateside.
All effective forensic scientific investigation in the field requires photos, proper collection of evidence, preservation of that evidence, and analysis of the evidence and photos. Forensic entomologists also collect data on temperature and climate changes, as well as specimens from the body, under the body, and within 15 feet of the body. (Some larvae crawl away from the body when they are ready to transform into flies.)
All of this is described in great detail in A Fly for the Prosecution. In fact, squeamish readers might want to skim certain passages. There are long sections discussing the different types of bugs--blowflies, coffin flies, cheese flies, and hister beetles, to name a few--and what they do when they find a body. This also includes a description of parasitic wasps, which lay their eggs inside the larvae or pupae of flies.
Goff presents a history of forensic entomology, describes his own history and involvement in the field, and includes plenty of cases to demonstrate how valuable this discipline is to solving murders.
In my opinion, the good doctor waxes a bit too technical in places, but overall, the book was a good read and worth mucking through the scientific descriptions to get a better idea of what guys like Goff do.
More reading
The Body Farm by Patricia Cornwell
Death's Acre by Dr. William Bass
Web sites to visit
American Board of Forensic Entomology
http://www.research.missouri.edu/entomol...
University of Missouri Department of Entomology - Columbia
http://forent.insecta.missouri.edu
Colorado State University Department of Entomology
http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/Entomolog...
Michigan State University Department of Entomology
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