Introduction

The mysteries surrounding death have captivated scientists, investigators, and the general public for millennia. Death is a universal and inescapable part of existence. A crucial and difficult issue in forensic science is estimating the post-mortem interval (PMI), or the amount of time that has passed since death, among the numerous questions that come up following a person's passing (Matuszewski et al., 2017). In criminal investigations, incidents involving missing persons, and disaster management, an accurate calculation of PMI is essential. Even if there are many ways to determine PMI, the world of insects is one of the most trustworthy and fascinating places to go for information (Wells et al., 2021).

Early observations of flies, beetles, and other creepy-crawlies swarming around decomposing waste sparked an interest in insects' potential role in PMI calculation (Wang et al., 2021). But it wasn't until the late 19th century that researchers started to thoroughly examine these insects and how they behaved around dead bodies. The basis for the advancement of forensic entomology as it is known today was built by the pioneering work of researchers like Jean-Pierre Mégnin and Amédée Fournier (Acosta et al., 2022).

A variety of insect species with predictable and sequential patterns of colonization on a corpse are used by forensic entomologists. Necrophagous insects, which feed directly on decomposing tissue, can be broadly divided into two groups: detritivorous insects, which eat the organic matter surrounding the corpse as it decomposes (Liangliang et al., 2023; Chophi et al., 2019). The smell of decay attracts flies, especially blow flies (Calliphoridae), who frequently arrive first at a corpse. Beetles that follow the flies include dermestids (Dermestidae) and rove beetles (Staphylinidae), each of which has unique ecological preferences and colonization patterns (Wells et al., 2021).

Due to their consistent life cycles and growth rates, insects play a crucial role in PMI calculation. Forensic entomologists can compute the PMI with a high degree of accuracy thanks to the temperature-dependent growth of insect larvae known as maggot masses (Ceciliason et al., 2018). Experts can estimate the time of death for these insects by evaluating their developmental stage, taking into account variables like temperature, humidity, and geographic location.

Forensic entomology has a lot of uses, but it also has certain difficulties. The assessment of PMI can be made more difficult by variations in ambient factors and insect species' behaviors (Acosta et al., 2022; Wells et al., 2021). The accuracy of estimates may also be hampered by the absence of comprehensive datasets and established processes for various regions. The use of insects in tracking the post-mortem period extends beyond just criminal investigations.(9) They have shown to be extremely useful in archaeology, providing insight into early burial customs and the preservation of human remains. Their importance also extends to ecological research, where they act as markers of habitat alterations and environmental health (Wells et al., 2021).

We will explore the intriguing field of forensic entomology in depth as we examine the role of insects in determining the post-mortem period (Xie et al., 2013). We'll look at the complex connections between insects and death, the methods used to estimate PMI, the difficulties faced by forensic entomologists, and the constantly expanding technology advancements that promise to improve our comprehension of this important topic. We shall learn via this voyage that these common insects, frequently thought of as merely annoyances, actually possess the key to some of the most deep secrets surrounding death, making them the true silent witnesses that convey so much in the field of forensic research (Ceciliason et al., 2018).