Investigating murders incorporates a host of
different forensic professionals, all scientifically collaborating in an effort
to corroborate their findings. Forensic entomology combines the study of
insects and other arthropods with criminal investigations. In the case of a
forensic entomologist; their job, when investigating a homicide, is to help
determine the postmortem interval (or time elapsed since death; PMI) of a
corpse based on the age of the insects present in the body. To do so, they must
first identify the species of the insect. Each species of insect may have
vastly different habits, behaviors, and growth rates.