Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) typing of necrophageous insects (diptera, coleoptera) in criminal forensic studies: validation and use in practice

To permit quick identification of arthropods, random amplified polymorphic DNA typing (RAPD) was used to support classical morphological and medico-legal analysis of maggots on a human corpse.

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Severe post mortem damages by ants on a human corpse

We report a case of skin damages on a human corpse found in late spring in a suburban area of Cosenza (Region Calabria, Southern Italy) caused by activity of Tapinoma nigerrimum (Nylander) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).

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Neglect of the elderly: forensic entomology cases and considerations

Wounds of living persons are a potential target for the same flies that live, or feed early on corpses. This can lead to complications in estimation of PMI but also allows to determine additional information that might be valuable in a trial, or during the investigations.

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Insect Traces and the Mummies of Palermo – a Status Report

In an interdisciplinary investigation of the mummies of the Capuchin Monastery in Palermo we made entomological findings with regards to the comparatively poor state of preservation of the deceased, to provide enlightenment about the process of natural mummification, as little is known about how the bodies were handled after death until they were laid out in the basement.

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Insektenbefall am Leichnam als Wissensquelle in der Gerichtsmedizin

NaturwissenschaftlerInnen und GeisteswissenschaftlerInnen sprechen verschiedene Sprachen. Sie denken anders und arbeiten mit völlig verschiedenen Werkzeugen.

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Flies and ants: A forensic entomological neglect case of an elderly man in Calabria, Southern Italy

This is a case of an 80-year-old man who was neglected for one to two weeks in Calabria (Italy). Different flies and ant lesions were present.

Key Words: neglect of the elderly, forensic entomology, ants, ant lesions, Diptera.

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