Dr Stefano Vanin
University of Huddersfield
Forensic entomology and funerary archaeoentomology: sources of answers

In forensic entomology, necrophagous insects are useful in studying postmortem interval (PMI), postmortem transfer (the movement of a body from one location to another after death), presence of drugs or poisons and in the last year as well in identifying the victim and/or the suspect. Many species may be used to estimate the minimum PMI (mPMI), according to the stage of cadaver decomposition, body exposure, geographical region, and season.
Funerary archaeoentomology is the application of the principles and techniques used in forensic entomology to human and animal remains, tombs, mummies and other burials of archaeological interest. The two disciplines, forensic entomology and funerary archaeoentomology, are separate and well distinct despite sharing the same bulk of knowledge related to insect colonization of bodies and carrions, and using some common techniques for the collection and analysis of the samples. In fact, it does not make any sense referring to forensic entomology (from the latin forum, related to the court) in an archaeological context, being the word forensic referable only to a legal mandate. In an archaeological context, the study of insects associated with a burial may provide reliable information about the taphonomy, funerary practices and the sanitary conditions of the body. This presentation will present how the entomological findings are useful to provide the solution to unanswered questions both in the forensic and in the funerary-archaeological contexts.

Location

Richmond Building, J Floor, room J19