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Forensic entomology in Latin America

Abstract:

Solving criminal cases can be a complicated task, as there are numerous elements to consider when analyzing a body as its identification, reason for death, time of death, among others; this is where forensic entomology, a specialty in development whose potential cannot be neglected, its effective-ness in recognizing a deceased through the insect’s present providing abundant information about its state of decomposi-tion, death interval, and even evidence some events that led to death. Knowing which insects are found, their stage of evolution through their growth and/or development rates allows professionals to identify post-mortem characteristics. Thanks to this science, it is even possible to provide a timeline of the events, with the help of the post mortem interval during the first 72 hours, in addition there are other elements such as the identification of the types of insects, the amount present in the body, as well as its state of growth and development. There is also the modeling of the crime scene temperatures, these are compared with estimates of the meteorological condition to determine the circumstantial environment of the corpse, until determining if the event actually occurred in that place or the event was in another location and the deceased was moved to where he was found. In general, forensic entomology has great versatility and application. Despite this, in Latin America its boom is not as strong as expected, as few countries have done research on the matter, always ac-companied by the police institute and the educational and/or university entity for theoretical support. On the other hand, there are countries such as Mexico and Guatemala whose scientific advances are still very few and, if any, are found only in universities and research centers.