FORENSIC INSECT FIELD
crime scene investigators have no specialized entomological training and the result is
that valuable evidence may be overlooked, ignored, or mishandled. As a step towards the
education and training of investigators in the recovery of entomological evidence, this
work will help investigators to determine which insects are of forensic importance while
also providing basic collection and preservation information.
(Front of card)
Each card set consists of fifty 3"x4"
plastic coated cards with a color photograph of a forensically important insect on the
front, and a brief statement about the biology of the insect on the back. Both scientific
and accepted common names are provided whenever possible to improve communication between
investigators and the cooperating forensic entomologist. A life-sized silhouette of each
insect located in the lower margin tells users at a glance the actual size of the insect.
(Back of card)
Although the cards are not a comprehensive record of
all insects that may be found associated with human remains, they will familiarize the
user with the most common species found throughout the United States and Canada. The
result of this project is that a more informed selection and preservation of insect
specimens from the death scene will be obtained, and a more accurate interpretation of
insect evidence can be made for use in civil and criminal legal proceedings.
The FORENSIC INSECT IDENTIFICATION CARDS may be ordered by sending $30.00 plus
$5.00 shipping and handling per set (made payable in US funds) to:
P.O. Box 357219
Gainesville, FL 32635 USA
Cards can also be ordered online from
Questions about the Forensic Insect Identification Cards can be
addressed to email@example.com