Forensic Entomologist - Interpreting The Weather

Interpreting The Weather

Interpreting the recorded weather data is an important feature to a forensic entomologist’s success. Weather samples include temperature and conditions for that particular day and two weeks prior. All weather data must come from a credited national weather service. Any faults in their report can negate a court case. A forensic entomologist must record ambient air temperature, ground temperature (if a body was buried), and maximum/minimum air temperature for three to five days after the crime/event and approximately two weeks before the incident. This information allows for calculation of Accumulated Degree Days (ADD). Accumulated degree days are based on weather temperature, these recordings can help predict when a developmental stage will be reached based on heat requirement. Accumulated Degree Day Formula: (Average Temperature-Minimum threshold) x )

'Weather Technology'

Conditions such as rainfall or any extreme weather condition come into play. All these factors can prove or disprove how long the body was there according to the insects found. Many insects live in certain habitats, these play a vital role in an entomologist’s job. These investigators must know

• what insects lived in or around the area.

• what insects on the body are not local to the area.

The entomologist needs to understand weather and weather patterns in order to give a professional and accurate report. New technology in meteorology has allowed for vast improvements in forensics. HailTrax gives an accurate estimation of where hail has fallen. HailTrax also determines hail size within an area. This information can prove to be helpful for a forensic entomologist when hail was possibly a factor in the case.