Lyle and Louise: Nature's Witness™ Forensic Entomology

Learn how forensic entomologists use maggots to determine the post-mortem interval.

Supplier:  Crosscutting Concepts LLC VXH10135

Catalog No. S94587

Includes: Six life stages of Species A (Lucilia sericata), six life stages of Species B (Bercaea haemorrhoidalis), six evidence collections, fully illustrated teacher's manual with technique background

Description

The bodies discovered in the cabin were badly decomposed and had large maggot masses on them. Students are introduced to the techniques of forensic entomology and use those techniques to examine insects collected at the scene.

• Examine exemplars of the life stages of two fly species and develop a key for distinguishing between life stage and species
• Use the key to identify a number of insects collected from the corpses
• Record their information for the entire class to share
• Compare the identification data to a life stage/species development chart and National Weather Service data to determine the post-mortem interval for both decedents
• Class size: six groups of up to five students per group

Specifications

• Product Type: Mystery of Lyle and Louise: Nature'S Witness™ Forensic Entomology Forensic Science Curriculum Kit
• For Use With (Application): To learn how forensic entomologists use maggots to determine the post-mortem interval
• Requires: Entomology featherweight forceps, lab gloves, microscope or magnifying glass, computer with MS Excel

• Grade: 9 to Undergraduate
• Includes: Six life stages of species a (lucilia sericata), six life stages of species b (bercaea haemorrhoidalis), six evidence collections, fully illustrated teacher's manual with technique background
• Class Size: 30 Students