3 CASE-STUDIES IN FORENSIC ENTOMOLOGY FROM SOUTHERN ITALY

Three cases of forensic interest regarding the estimation of postmorte m interval (PMI) by entomological data are presented. The three cases concerning criminal investigations were performed in Southern Italy by the Entomological Laboratory of the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the University of Bari. For each case the authors present a detailed description of the remains as observed at the crime scene and a descri ption of the arthropods collected from the remains. The PMI estimation was based on comparison of data from autopsy reports (rate of decay), local environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, rainfall) and development times for the immature stages of each species of local art hropod and succession patterns. The collection of insects was performe d at the discovery site and during autopsy procedures. In the first ca se a PMI of 5 to 8 days was established based on the presence of adult specimens of Saprinus aeneus (family Histeridae), and mature larvae o f Chrysomya albiceps and Sarcophaga carnaria (3rd instar). In the seco nd case, on the charred remains of a corpse, larvae of Sarcophaga haem orrhoidalis (3rd instar) and Protophormia terraenovae (2nd instar) wer e observed in different developmental stages, as indicated, giving a P MI of 3 to 4 days based on entomological data. In the third case a PMI of 36 to 48 hours was defined from the evidence of Calliphora vicina 2nd instar on the two burnt bodies. In all cases the entomological evi dence alone led to conclusions on PMI.