Journal of Forensic Research

Use of Dermestidae in the Cleaning of Corpses: A Review

Abstract

Walkis Ragnarsdottir*

Insect activity is often found on corpses, degrading and feeding on tissues and potentially hindering the investigation or even destroying evidence. Although the action of arthropods can create problems, they can also be used by forensic scientists. Dermestidae are those necrophagous arthropods that can be used in the laboratory as a means of separating rotting tissue and skeleton, in particular Dermestidae luciferia.