Insects and the Law

Entomologist Dr. Art Evans and WCVE producer Steve Clark note that forensic entomologists do more than just study insects at a death scene. They also examine arthropod-related evidence in cases involving child-abuse, elder neglect, automobile accidents, and plane crashes. Art recalls a case where insects and an entomologist helped to shore up a prosecutor's case and put a murderer behind bars.

Photo: Dr. Lynn Kimsey was approached by the FBI to identify insects in a radiator and air filter removed from a car suspected to have used to commit several murders. Dr. Kimsey is Director of the Bohart Museum of Entomology at the University of California, Davis.