The world of crime is full of mysteries that may remain unsolved despite traditional evidence such as fingerprints or blood traces. Modern science, however, has revealed a surprising and powerful tool in the service of justice: insects. Through forensic entomology, these tiny creatures have become active partners for investigators, providing precise information about the time of death, location, and even circumstances surrounding it.<br /><br /><br />---<br /><br />I. What Is Forensic Entomology?<br /><br />Forensic entomology is a branch of biology and forensic science that studies insects colonizing corpses or crime scenes. This science relies on the life cycles of insects and their predictable patterns of appearance, making them biological clocks capable of estimating the post-mortem interval (PMI).<br /><br /><br />---<br /><br />II. The Role of Insects in Justice<br /><br />1. Estimating Time of Death: By determining the age of larvae or the types of insects present.<br /><br /><br />2. Revealing the Crime Location: Certain insect species are habitat-specific (rural, urban, aquatic).<br /><br /><br />3. Detecting Body Relocation: Presence of insects inconsistent with the site may indicate movement.<br /><br /><br />4. Assisting in Toxicology Cases: Larvae may retain traces of drugs or toxins even after the body decomposes.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />---<br /><br />III. Examples of Forensic Insects<br /><br />Blowflies (Calliphoridae): The first to arrive at a corpse and commonly used to estimate PMI.<br /><br />Beetles (Coleoptera): Appear in later stages to feed on dry tissues.<br /><br />Moths and Worms: Found in the final stages when only hair or dried skin remains.<br /><br /><br /><br />---<br /><br />IV. Importance in Criminal Investigations<br /><br />Many cases worldwide have proven that relying on insects can be critical in solving crimes. While traditional evidence may be destroyed or disappear, insects remain a silent biological witness, revealing secrets of time and location with high accuracy.<br /><br /><br />---<br /><br />Conclusion<br /><br />Forensic entomology is truly a new science in the service of justice. It demonstrates that even the smallest organisms can provide the most crucial evidence. By combining nature and law, this science equips investigators with an additional tool to uncover the truth in the most complex and mysterious cases<br /><br /><br />Al-Mustaqbal University – the first university in Iraq.<br/><br/><a href=https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/ar/education/ target=_blank>Goal 4</a>