Forensic Science: Chapter 13 Entomology
arthropods
insects with a hard, outer body casing and jointed legs
necrophagous
feeding on carrion
postmortem interval
the time elapsed since a person has died
Glaister Equation
A formula used for determining the approximate time period since death based on body temperature
adipocere
Also called "grave wax"--the fatty acids left as a residue from fats from decomposing cadavers
saponification
As related to decomposition, the conversion of fatty tissues of the body into a soapy waxy substance called adipocere or grave wax.
diagenesis
The breakdown and crystallization of bone in the last stage of death
metamorphosis
a change in the body of an insect
entomologist
a person who studies insects
autolysis
a process by which a biological cell self-destructs
livor mortis
a purple or red discoloration of the skin caused by the pooling of blood after death
rigor mortis
a stiffness in muscles that occurs shortly after death
oviposition
depositing, or laying, of eggs
carrion
the carcass of a dead and decaying animal
algor mortis
the cooling of body temperature after death
putrefaction
the decomposition of animal proteins, especially by anaerobic microorganisms
taxonomy
the naming and classifying of organisms
entomology
the scientific study of insects