SmartInsects app for iPhone and iPad

SmartInsects provides a guide for crime scene technicians for collecting and preserving entomological samples useful in determining the minimum post mortem interval.

The identification of insects associated with a corpse and their specific insect biology in the context of a crime scene is used to provide the best estimation of the minimum post mortem interval. In many cases when insect material is observed at homicides, suspicious deaths and suicides then the medical examiner, coroner, pathologist or trained forensic field officer will call an entomologist. In some cases, although not ideal, any one of these attending persons may do the collections on behalf of an entomologist. Crime scene protocols suggest that all care must be taken in the collection of entomological evidence and this should be gathered only by individuals that have knowledge and experience and/or accreditation as a practitioner in this activity.

SmartInsects is divided in sections such as: general concepts, insect pictures, guidelines for sampling and storage of insect material and collection of environmental data. Moreover, useful references and contacts are provided. This app is purely designed to guide the crime scene technician or proxy for collecting and preserving entomological samples. App updates with translation into different languages will be become available after further input from the entomological community.