Uncharted Frontiers in Forensic Entomology: Under-Explored Research Areas and Emerging Opportunities

Forensic entomology is a well-established subfield of forensic science, primarily employed to estimate the Postmortem Interval (PMI) using insect succession and development data. Despite its proven utility, much of the research remains confined to classical methodologies involving Diptera and Coleoptera on cadavers. However, recent technological advances, growing ecological concerns, and cross-disciplinary integration have begun to open new frontiers in forensic entomology, inviting a deeper look at less conventional yet promising domains.

Emerging and under-explored areas

Insect microbiome and postmortem microbial succession: Recent studies indicate that the gut microbiota of necrophagous insects change predictably during decomposition, suggesting a new microbial clock for PMI estimation. The synergistic study of entomological and microbial succession could provide more accurate forensic timelines [1-3]. Yet, the complexity of host-microbe-environment interactions remains under-explored.

Entomotoxicology: The study of how toxins and drugs in decomposing tissues influence insect growth and behavior is still in its infancy. Entomotoxicology holds promise in determining the type and concentration of substances consumed prior to death, even when traditional biological samples are degraded [4]. Standardized methodologies and speciesspecific databases are needed to enhance its forensic utility.

Environmental DNA (eDNA) and metabarcoding: eDNA technologies enable the non-invasive collection and identification of insect species from environmental samples. Metabarcoding of insect remains can improve species identification in complex samples, particularly in urban or tropical environments where morphological identification is challenging [5].

Climate change and insect distribution: Shifting insect populations due to global warming can alter colonization patterns and developmental rates, directly affecting PMI estimation. This necessitates localized, updated forensic databases that reflect current climatic conditions [6]. Long-term research on climate-induced phenological changes in forensically important insects is urgently needed.

AI, machine learning and predictive modeling: AI can automate species identification from images and assist in PMI prediction models based on large entomological datasets. These technologies could reduce human error and increase efficiency but require standardized image datasets and cross-validation with real-world forensic cases.

Cultural and regional gaps in research: Many regions, particularly in Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, lack localized forensic entomology data. Given the ecological specificity of insect succession, region-based studies are crucial for globally applicable forensic models.

Challenges and future directions

While these emerging fields are promising, they face several challenges:
A. Standardization of protocols for microbial and toxicological analysis.
B. Validation of AI tools with casework data.
C. Cross-disciplinary collaboration between entomologists, microbiologists and forensic investigators.
D. Funding and infrastructure in low-research regions.

Investing in these under-researched areas can lead to the development of more comprehensive, context-aware and accurate forensic entomological tools.

The future of forensic entomology lies in broadening its scope beyond classical PMI estimation. By embracing technological innovation and ecological complexity, the field is poised to offer new insights into forensic investigations. The under-explored domains of microbiomes, eDNA, entomotoxicology, and AI integration represent fertile grounds for research and application, promising a more robust and interdisciplinary forensic science landscape.

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