M. Denise Gemmellaro

Heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, zinc, copper, mercury, and others, are naturally occurring non degradable elements which can accumulate in the environment and in living organisms and can have a significant impact on their physiological functions. Studies have shown that heavy metals can also influence the development and morphology of insects. Insects are the most abundant organisms on earth and play a major role in different ecosystems. They help in the dispersion of organic matter and are an important part of different ecological processes. Forensic entomology focuses on the use of arthropods in legal investigations. Shortly after death, a corpse is quickly colonized by several insect families; blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) are among the first colonizers and are therefore often used for the estimation of the time of colonization (TOC) or minimum post‐mortem interval (mPMI). Since larvae feed on the corpse, any xenobiotic present in the remains, including heavy metals, can be ingested, and accumulated by them; these substances can influence their development and, in turn, can alter the estimation of the mPMI. We analyzed the literature on studies pertaining to the detection of heavy metals in blow flies and on their variations in developmental rate, mass, length, fecundity, morphology, immune system, and mortality rate. This article is categorized under: Forensic Biology > Forensic Entomology Forensic Anthropology > Time Since Death Estimation Forensic Biology > Interpretation of Biological Evidence