Vol. 5, Issue 1, Part A (2023)

Entomotoxicology is a rapidly developing field in forensic investigations that combines the disciplines of forensic entomology and toxicology. This paper reviews the application of entomotoxicology as a tool for forensic investigations and highlights its potential in providing valuable information on the presence and effects of drugs or toxins in insects found at a crime scene. The analysis of insect evidence in forensic investigations has long been used to estimate the time of death and other important factors. However, the incorporation of toxicology into this analysis can provide critical information on the presence and effects of drugs or toxins in the body. Entomotoxicology has the potential to be a valuable tool in forensic investigations, particularly in cases involving drug-related deaths or poisonings. By studying the presence and distribution of drugs or toxins in insect tissue, entomotoxicology can provide information on the timing and pattern of drug use. The use of entomotoxicology in forensic investigations is not without challenges. Factors such as post-mortem redistribution and contamination of the crime scene can impact the reliability of the results. There is also a need for standardized protocols and validation studies to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the results.