The study of insect activity to determine the time of death is called what?

• A. Forensic entomology
• B. Forensic anthropology
• C. Ballistics
• D. Toxicology

Answer: (A)

Estimating time of death from insect activity is forensic entomology. This field relies on how and when insects colonize a body and how their life stages progress in relation to temperature and time after death. By identifying the species present and the developmental stage of larvae or pupae, investigators can approximate how long the body has been dead, using known growth rates and temperature data (often via degree-day calculations). Forensic entomology is distinct from forensic anthropology (which analyzes human remains for identity and biological profile), ballistics (firearm and trajectory analysis), and toxicology (presence of chemicals or poisons).