page_title: Entomological evidence collection
section_title: Collecting materials
hierarchical_section_title: Entomological evidence collection / Collecting materials
caption_attribution_description: English: A PVC-Glove Deutsch: Ein Latexhandschuh (kein PVC-Handschuh) gegen Infektionen, wie er im medizinischen und paramedizinischen Bereich eingesetzt wird
context_page_description: Entomological evidence collection is the process of collecting evidence based on insect clues used in criminal investigations. If evidence is not carefully preserved at a crime scene after a death, it may be difficult or impossible for an entomologist to make an accurate identification of specimens, if for example, all morphological characteristics are not preserved.
context_section_description: One of the most valuable things a forensic entomologist has is his collection kit. There are commercially available insect evidence collection kits , but you can customize your own to meet geographical and budget requirements. Below is a list of necessary tools.
  Aerial or sweep insect nets: Nets can be anywhere from 15-36" 
  Sticky Traps: (see Fig. 1)
  Feather weight or light touch forceps
  Collection Vials: Screw cap type with neoprene cap inserts 4-dram size, killing jars which are jars of ½" of plaster to absorb the ethyl acetate
  Plastic "yogurt" or "bait" containers: Used in collecting and shipping larvae
  Aluminum foil: Used in constructing a pouch that will hold the live larvae and their food source during shipment
  Vermiculite: Used in filling the bottom of the larval containers
  Plastic specimen containers 4-8oz size
  Non-adhesive and heavy bond paper paper labels used in labeling and placement inside and outside of the collection containers
  #2 pencil
  Small hand trowel or garden spade: Used in soil sampling and digging for migrating larvae or pupae in outdoor death scenes
  Thermometers: Preferably digital, but dial type, mercury, or alcohol types are fine
  35 mm SLR camera, lens, and flash: Used for on the scene macrophotography of insects. Also, a standard 35 mm lens should be used for general scene photographs.
  Ruler or any other measuring device: For showing scale in photographs
  Disposable gloves
  Preservation and collection chemicals: In particular ethyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, and KAA
  Paper towels: For use in kill jars and for cleaning utensils
  Thermos of boiling water: Used to boil the larvae
  Sifting screens: Used for processing soil samples for insects and insect artifacts
  Entomological Death Scene Form 
  Shipping containers: Styrofoam containers with lids are best as it offers good insulation from temperature extremes, but corrugated cardboard boxes are widely used
  - This list was adapted from Dr. J.H. Byrd’s website for entomological collection equipment and materials.
caption: Disposable gloves
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