Pinned and preserved adult blow flies (Calliphoridae) from a single file in an insect box. These insects were all raised from larvae collected from a homicide victim, which were pinned and identified once they reached adulthood. Such evidence is maintained in perpetuity.
Working in a forensic entomology laboratory
Live blow fly larvae are raised in glass jars with sawdust to mimic the soil and beef liver on a paper towel to mimic the carrion. These are then placed in an incubator in order to control for temperature, lighting and humidity.
Blow fly pupae developing in petri dishes in an incubator, controlling for temperature, humidity and lighting.
A forensic entomologist studying insect evidence under a dissecting microscope.
A pinned fly. Dried pinned insects can be kept for decades and even centuries in the right conditions.
A forensic entomologist demonstrating insect identification to a student.
Pinned and preserved adult blow flies (Calliphoridae) from a single file in an insect box. These insects were all raised from larvae collected from a homicide victim, which were pinned and identified once they reached adulthood. Such evidence is maintained in perpetuity.
A close up of pinned adult blow flies (Calliphoridae) from a single file.
