Collection and Preservation of Forensically Important Entomological Materials

The insects and other invertebrates colonizing corpses as decomposition progresses can provide valuable information concerning the time and manner of death. Accurate determinations are possible, however, only when representative specimens are properly collected and preserved. The protocol developed by the authors describes equipment and techniques for sampling, preserving, packaging, shipping, and rearing forensically important insects. This information should aid medicolegal professionals in data collection, allowing accurate determinations by entomological means.