Forensic entomology and time of death estimation in Victoria [ 2002-01-01 - 2005-12-31 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: A/Prof Christopher Briggs (Chief Investigator) ,  Mark Elgar (Chief Investigator) ,  A/Prof David Ranson (Partner Investigator)

Brief description Forensic entomology and time of death estimation in Victoria. Assessing time of death is a notoriously difficult, yet critical component of homicide investigations. Forensic entomology can provide reliable death time estimates using detailed knowledge of the ecology and life-history characteristics of local carrion insect species. However, these data are largely unavailable for Victoria and elsewhere on the eastern Australian seaboard. This project will measure growth rates of carrion insect larvae, investigate carrion insect ecology in different habitats, and describe the larval morphology of key species. We will also investigate the efficacy of a new method for estimating time of death using corpse chemistry.

Funding Amount $149,239

Funding Scheme Linkage Projects

View this grant in the ARC Data Portal