David B. Rivers – författare

The Calliphoridae of Forensic Significance offers a focused and in-depth discussion on the biology, ecology, and behavior of blow flies relevant to medico-legal entomology in North America. Moving from introductory information to advanced applications, this book covers recent developments, current challenges, and research needs for the calliphorids most relevant to forensic entomology and how these topics can influence the use of these insects in the court of law. The book will be useful for students enrolled in forensic entomology, biological forensics, forensic anthropology, and related course work, as well as attorneys and law enforcement that utilize entomological evidence in casework.

Summarizes past, present, and future research involving Calliphoridae of forensic significanceEstablishes linkages from basic research to applications in forensic entomology and carrion ecologyProvides in-depth coverage of the taxonomy, diversity, biology, ecology, behavior, genetics, evolution, and physical evidence pertaining to forensically significant calliphoridsProvides taxonomic and photographic keys of larvae and adults of forensic significance in North America to aid in identification

A thoroughly updated introduction to forensic entomologyIn the newly revised second edition of The Science of Forensic Entomology, two distinguished entomologists deliver a foundational and practical resource that equips students and professionals to be able to understand and resolve questions concerning the presence of specific insects at crime scenes. Each chapter in the book addresses a topic that delves into the underlying biological principles and concepts relevant to the insect biology that grounds the use of insects in legal and investigational contexts.In addition to non-traditional topics, including the biology of maggot masses, temperature tolerances of necrophagous insects, chemical attraction and communication, reproductive strategies of necrophagous flies, and archaeoentomology, the book also offers readers: A thorough introduction to the role of forensic science in criminal investigations and the history of forensic entomologyComprehensive discussions of the biology, taxonomy, and natural history of forensically important insectsFulsome treatments of the postmortem decomposition of human remains and vertebrate carrionIn-depth introduction to the concepts of accumulated degree days and the use of insect development for estimation of the postmortem intervalNew chapters dedicated to forensic entomotoxicology, aquatic insects in forensic investigations, microbiomes of forensic insects and carrion, professional standards, and case studiesPerfect for graduate and advanced undergraduate students in forensic entomology, forensic biology, and general forensic science, The Science of Forensic Entomology will also earn a place in the libraries of law enforcement and forensic investigators, as well as researchers in forensic entomology

The Science of Forensic Entomology builds a foundation of biological and entomological knowledge that equips the student to be able to understand and resolve questions concerning the presence of specific insects at a crime scene, in which the answers require deductive reasoning, seasoned observation, reconstruction and experimentation—features required of all disciplines that have hypothesis testing at its core.  Each chapter addresses topics that delve into the underlying biological principles and concepts relevant to the insect biology that forms the bases for using insects in matters of legal importance.The book is more than an introduction to forensic entomology as it offers in depth coverage of non-traditional topics, including the biology of maggot masses, temperature tolerances of necrophagous insects; chemical attraction and communication; reproductive strategies of necrophagous flies; archaeoentomology, and use of insects in modern warfare (terrorism). As such it will enable advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students the opportunity to gain a sound knowledge of the principles, concepts and methodologies necessary to use insects and other arthropods in a wide range of legal matters.