“Within minutes, insects can detect the smell a dead body produces that humans cannot detect. Basically, there are three insect families that are abundant in a decomposed body: family Calliphoridae, family Sarcopha­­gidae and family Muscidae. Both the forensic pathologist and forensic entomologist collaborate to establish a more accurate post-mortem interval, in case the court requires evidence. “Yes, my work is to collect maggots for research in the field and the lab. “The insects that we find only feed on necrotic tissues – they won’t do anything in a live human,” she says.

Source: The Star February 04, 2026 15:39 UTC