It is important to note that the collection of insects and other arthropods from a death scene may disturb the remains.  Therefore, the forensic entomologist (or the crime scene personnel charged with making the collection) should contact the primary investigator and make plans for the collection of entomological evidence.  Once a course of action as been determined, utmost care should be taken during insect collection so that the remains are disturbed as little as possible.  Before collections are made notes should be taken as to the general habitat, ambient weather conditions, and location of the body.   Observations should also be made to describe the microhabitat immediately surrounding the body.

Entomological investigation of the death scene can be broken down into the following steps ( detailed in Entomology and Death: A Procedural Guide, E. P. Catts and N. H. Haskell [eds.]).

1). Observations of the scene should note the general habitat and location of the body in reference to vegetation, sun or shade conditions, and its proximity to any open doors or windows if recovered within a structure.  Locations of insect infestations on the body should be documented as well as noting what stages of insects are observed (such as eggs, larvae, pupae, or adults).  It is also useful to document evidence of scavenging from vertebrate animals and predation of eggs and larvae by other insects such as fire ants.  Observations such as these can be noted on the Death Scene Form.  Print this form. http://www.forensicentomology.com/Dform.pdf

2). Collection of climatological data at the scene. Materials: Thermometer.    Such data should include:

Collection of insects from the body at the scene.  Materials:  Fly net, 2 glass containers, pencil and paper, cotton ball soaked in fingernail polish remover and placed into one of the glass vials. Isopropyl alcohol 2ml placed into the 2 glass containers.  

1.  The first insects that should be collected are the adult flies and beetles.  These insects are fast moving and can leave the crime scene rapidly once disturbed.  The adult flies can be trapped with an insect net available from most biological supply houses.  They are inexpensive and readily obtainable.  Once the adult flies have been netted, the closed end of the net (with the insects inside) can be placed in the mouth of a "killing jar" (which is a glass container with cotton balls  soaked with  fingernail polish remover.  The jar is then capped and the insects will be immobilized within a few minutes. Once they are immobile they can be easily transferred to a vial of 70% isopropyl alcohol.  Beetles can be collected with forceps or gloved fingers and placed directly into 75% ethyl alcohol.  

2.  Once the adults have been collected the collection of larval specimens from the body can begin.  First the investigator should search for the larvae which should be readily apparent on the body. Generally speaking, the largest larvae should be actively searched for and collected.   Collect a sample (4-5) of the LARGEST maggots by using the forceps to GENTLY pick up and transfer to the 2nd glass vial of  isopropyl alcohol.

3.  It is extremely important that the collected specimens are properly labeled. Labels should be made with a dark graphite pencil, NOT IN INK.  The label should be placed in the alcohol along with the specimens, and alcohol can dissolve the ink from the paper!   However, pencil is not affected by alcohol and should be used for labeling purposes.   The collection label should contain the following information:

1). Geographical Location

2). Date and hour of collection

3). Case number (this case is HAP 607)

4). Location on the body where removed

5). Name of collectors