Forensic Entomology Vocab

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Wormlike beetle larva

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Grub: A larval stage of certain insects, particularly beetles, characterized by a soft, elongated body.

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Predictable sequence of changing species that inhabit a decomposing body

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Insect Succession: The process by which different species of insects colonize and inhabit a decomposing body over time.

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# of hours it takes for insect species to develop to a given stage

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Accumulated Degree Hours (ADH): A measure used to estimate the development of insects based on temperature and time.

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Breakdown of once living matter by living organisms

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Decomposition: The process by which organic substances are broken down into simpler organic or inorganic matter.

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Body development in 4 stages: egg, larva, pupa, & adult

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Complete Metamorphosis: A type of insect development that includes four distinct life stages.

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Stage of insect development between larva and adult

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Pupa: The life stage of some insects undergoing transformation between larva and adult.

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The first stage of insect development after hatching

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Egg: The initial stage in the life cycle of insects, from which larvae emerge.

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The process by which insects lay eggs

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Oviposition: The act of laying eggs by female insects.

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The stage of development where insects are actively feeding and growing

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Larva: The immature form of an insect that hatches from the egg and is often wormlike.

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The number of molts an insect undergoes before reaching maturity

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Instar: A developmental stage of an insect between two molts.