Forensic entomology and climatic change.

Area of Science:

• Forensic entomology
• Climate change impact on biodiversity

Background:

• Postmortem interval (PMI) estimation traditionally relies on insect succession data from the 19th and 20th centuries.
• Current PMI methods may be outdated due to changing environmental conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of climate change and globalization on insect fauna in forensic investigations.
• To highlight the emergence of new species in regions due to altered environmental factors.

Main Methods:

• Entomo-forensic investigations in north-east Italy.
• Analysis of cadaveric fauna, focusing on species distribution and succession patterns.

Main Results:

• Observed presence of southern and allochthonous (non-native) insect species in north-east Italy.
• Evidence suggests climate warming is facilitating the establishment of thermophilous species, overcoming previous geographic barriers.

Conclusions:

• Traditional PMI methods require re-evaluation in light of climate change.
• Globalization and warming climates are altering forensic entomology's faunal communities, necessitating updated regional data.