Corpses in aquatic environments: two human forensic cases with associated chironomid (Insecta: Diptera: Chironomidae) larvae

Abstract

Forensic entomology is a criminalistic tool that provides relevant information about circumstances of death and time elapsed until a corpse is discovered. However, it is rarely applied in aquatic environments because knowledge is scarce and fragmented. This paper summarizes the information available and contributes to the knowledge on Chironomidae in forensic cases by reporting on two human forensic cases from contrasting freshwater environments in which Cricotopus sp. and Goeldichironomus holoprasinus larvae were found. It discusses the advantages and limitations of using Chironomidae in forensic investigations to establish the postmortem submersion interval (PMSI) and other relevant information that they may provide about possible shifts in the location of the corpses. Because of the lack of basic biological data on these species, conclusions cannot be drawn about time of death. We highlight the need for further studies, mainly on basic biological information, to support Chironomidae as useful tool for aquatic forensic cases.