Field Guide to Common Forensically Important Insects of Oregon

Authors

Dakota Hufford, University of Nebraska.-Lincoln

First Advisor

Erin Bauer

Date of this Version

2024

Document Type

Project

Citation

ENTO 888, MS project

Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2024

Comments

Copyright 2024, Dakota Hufford. Used by permission

Abstract

Purpose, Scope and Structure of the Guide

This guide aims to serve as a semi-comprehensive resource for anyone interested in forensic entomology within the state of Oregon in the United States. This resource is intended to fill a gap in existing available forensic entomology educational materials by providing identifying information on the primary groups of insects involved in decomposition processes and forensic investigations in Oregon. It is useful for a diverse group of people including students, educators, forensic professionals, and laypeople with an interest in entomology. Therefore, the intended audience ranges from interested amateurs and curious observers, to educators and outreach teams.

While this guide is not fully comprehensive and exhaustive - meaning it does not cover every single species of forensically important insects in the state or every aspect of each species life cycle and forensic relevance - it does cover the primary groups of insects and arthropods that are associated with decomposition in Oregon and specific known representative species found in the state. A brief introduction and description of forensic entomology is provided, as well as the role of insects in breaking down organic matter and nutrient recycling, and their ability to assist in solving legal cases.

In chapter 6, each insect named will be first described in taxonomical organization of orders, then families, and then further classified down to several select representative species known to be found in Oregon. Each family will include a description of their natural history and ecology, photos and the forensically relevant information associated with the family. Each named species will include the same information if different from the family description, and other information specific to the species.