Forensic Entomology deals with the use of insects and other arthropods in medico legal investigations. We are sure that many people know this or a similar definition, maybe even already read a scientific or popular book dealing with this topic. So, do we really need another book on Forensic Entomology? The answer is 13, 29, 31, 38, and 61. These are not some golden bingo numbers, but an excerpt of the increasing amount of annual publications in the current decade dealing with Forensic Entomology. Comparing them with 89 articles which were published d- ing the 1990s it illustrates the growing interest in this very special intersection of Forensic Science and Entomology and clearly underlines the statement: Yes, we need this book because Forensic Entomology is on the move with so many new things happening every year. One of the most attractive features of Forensic Entomology is that it is multid- ciplinary. There is almost no branch in natural science which cannot find its field of activity here. The chapters included in this book highlight this variety of researches and would like to give the impetus for future work, improving the dev- opment of Forensic Entomology, which is clearly needed by the scientific com- nity. On its way to the courtrooms of the world this discipline needs a sound and serious scientific background to receive the acceptance it deserves.
Twenty years ago the use of entomology in a crime scene investigation was considered bizarre, despite the solid scientific background and documented historical applications. Today, the use of insect evidence is an accepted sub-discipline in modern forensic science. Nevertheless, forensic entomology is still growing and remains a living scientific discipline with many branches. The present book highlights this diversity by collecting contributions dealing with novel aspects, for example, marine biology, chemical ecology and acarology, as well as the basic disciplines like entomotoxiciology and decomposition. It also offers keys for immature insects, discussions of important pitfalls and introductions to the statistical evaluation of data sets. Many topics are covered in depth for the first time. All the authors are leading experts in their respective fields of research. Their chapters show directions for future research for both new and veteran forensic entomologists. Undoubtedly, forensic entomology will continue to grow and attract new professionals, students, as well as interested observers. This book is written for all of them.
