Forensic entomologists study insect life on or near bodies to determine the time and/or date of death. Only a few hours after death, flies and other insects are attracted to bodies and begin to lay eggs in the ears, eyes, nose, mouth or open wounds. Within days or hours, these eggs quickly grow into different stages of their life cycle (called instars). Different species of flies grow at different rates. The entomologist will take samples of the insect larvae and cultivate them to verify what species they are. Before the entomologist takes them he/she will determine the stage in their life cycle of the maggots or flies. Once he/she knows the species, and given the stage of their life at which they were found, the entomologist can determine how many hours/days the body has been exposed. The insect life that will appear on the body varies with the season, surroundings (i.e. geographical location) and other factors.
