Engineering

Ecology

Biology

Statistics

Systems engineering

Forensic entomology

Larva

Estimation

Mathematics

Interval estimation

Insect

Confidence interval

Entomology

Carrion

Zoology

Insects

During death investigations insects are used mostly to estimate the post-mortem interval (PMI). These estimates are only as good as they are close to the true PMI. Therefore, the major challenge for forensic entomology is to reduce the estimation inaccuracy. Here, I review literature in this field to identify research areas that may contribute to the increase in the accuracy of PMI estimation. I conclude that research on the development and succession of carrion insects, thermogenesis in aggregations of their larvae and error rates of the PMI estimation protocols should be prioritized. Challenges of educational and promotional nature are discussed as well, particularly in relation to the collection of insect evidence.

Post-Mortem Interval Estimation Based on Insect Evidence: Current Challenges