Kipp's+Entomology+PMI


 * PMI **

PMI is the minimum post-mortem interval. To determine this you must identify the age of the insects present on a corpse, which can provide a relatively precise estimate in cirumstances where pathologists may only be able to give an approiximation. The assumption is that the body has not been dead for longer than it took the insects to arrive at the corpse and develop.

the age of the oldest insects on the body determines the minimum PMI.

Blow flys provide teh greatest value for entomologists. They are usually the first insects to colonise in the corpse. The age of the oldest blowfiles gives the most accurate evidence of the PMI.

Adult blowflies are well adapted to sensing and locating the sources of odours of decay, so cadavers are quickly found. Eggs are usually laid in the natural orifices (e.g. eyes, nose, mouth, ears) or other dark and moist places, such as the folds of clothes or just under the body. Eggs hatch into first instar larvae that grow rapidly, moulting twice to pass through second and third instars until they finish feeding.