[Forensic entomology and globalisation]

Area of Science:

• Forensic Entomology
• Ecology
• Climate Change Impact

Background:

• Forensic entomology traditionally estimates postmortem interval (PMI) using insect succession on carrion.
• Insect communities on carrion are dynamic ecosystems influenced by environmental factors.
• Established PMI methods rely on historical faunal succession data, largely unchanged since the late 19th century.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of invasive species on forensic entomology.
• To analyze how globalization and climate change alter insect communities on carrion.
• To document the presence and effects of non-native necrophagous insects in forensic investigations.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of insect fauna colonizing carrion.
• Identification of necrophagous and associated insect species.
• Monitoring of insect community dynamics in response to environmental changes.
• Case studies of invasive species in entomoforensic investigations.

Main Results:

• Invasive species are increasingly observed in carrion ecosystems, disrupting native faunal succession.
• Global climate change facilitates the spread and establishment of non-native insects.
• The American black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) demonstrates significant competition with local species.
• New or rare species from Neotropical, African, and Asian regions are being identified in European forensic cases.

Conclusions:

• Globalization and climate change are altering insect communities, challenging traditional forensic entomology methods.
• Invasive species pose a significant challenge to accurate PMI determination.
• Understanding the ecological impact of invasive insects is crucial for modern forensic science.
• The spread of species like H. illucens has implications beyond forensics, affecting agriculture and animal health.