The implication of morphometrics and growth rate of dipteran flies in forensic entomotoxicology research: a review

Forensic entomotoxicology integrates toxicology into forensic entomology to estimate minimum postmortem interval (PMImin) and circumstances of death where toxicants and poisonous substances are the suspected cause of death. Forensic entomotoxicology not only confirms the presence of toxicants in insects feeding off a cadaver but also studies its effect on the bio-morphometry and growth rate of insects. This review article highlights the effects of various toxicants on forensically important species of dipteran flies. It also discusses the parameters that may affect accuracy in estimation of time since death. The bio-physical effects of toxicants (excluding the analytical approach for qualitative detection) would help understand the trends in forensic entomotoxicological research worldwide.