Decomposition Details
Entomology
Life Cycle of a Blowfly
Stages of Decomposition and Insect Activity
Random Decomposition!
100
What are the stages of decomposition, in order?
FRESH, BLOATED, ACTIVE, DRY, and SKELETAL
100
What type of insect is shown in the image above?
Blowfly
100
How many life cycle stages are there for a blowfly?
6 life cycle stages
100
During which stage of decomposition would you expect to see adult blowflies?
FRESH
100
How would colder temperatures change the "normal" rate of decomposition?
Slow it down!
200
How long is the bloated stage of decomposition?
2-6 days postmortem
200
What type of insect is shown in the image above?
Burying beetle
200
What are the names of each life cycle stage for a blowfly?
Egg, 1st stage larva, 2nd stage larva, 3rd stage larva, pupae, and adult
200
During which stage of decomposition would you expect to see 2nd stage blowfly larvae?
BLOATED
200
What is the necrobiome?
The bacteria that live on and within the body, that eat the body after death!
300
How long is the dry stage of decomposition?
11-24 days postmortem
300
What is the definition of entomology?
Using bug species in order to determine the stage of decomposition and time since death
300
During which life cycle stage are the insects around 5mm long?
1st stage larva
300
What lifecycle stage of a blowfly might be present on the body 15 hours after death?
EGGS
300
What condition following death refers to the pooling of blood due to gravity, causing discoloration?
Livor mortis!
400
During which stage of decomposition is the flesh dried out and looking like jerky?
DRY
400
What are the 5 types of evidence entomologists collect from a crime scene?
1. General Info about Location
2. Temperature
3. Locations of Insects on the Body
4. Insect Life Cycle Info
5. Weather Data for 1-2 Weeks Prior to Discovery
400
During which life cycle stage are the insects secreting an enzyme to burrow into the tissue?
2nd stage larva
400
What lifecycle stage of a blowfly might be present on the body 35 hours after death?
1st STAGE LARVA
400
Why should virus infected bodies be buried as soon as possible after death?
Depending on the virus, many are still contagious!
500
During which stage of decomposition do gases build up in the abdomen?
BLOATED
500
What tool can forensic entomologists use to calculate an approximate date of death?
Accumulated Degree Hour
500
How long is the entire life cycle of a blowfly?
Roughly 21-30 days
500
What stage of decomposition and life cycle stage of blowfly would you expect to see 137 hours after death?
ACTIVE and 3rd STAGE LARVA
500
What would cause a body to appear "soapy" during decomposition?
The process of saponification!