Estado da arte sobre Lepidoptera de importância forense

Abstract

Interest in Lepidoptera in forensic entomology has grown in recent years, reflecting the need to establish a solid knowledge base to explore their potential in this area. Forensic entomology uses the biology of insects and arthropods in criminal investigations, especially assisting in the estimation of the post-mortem interval (PMI), since insects are the first to colonize the crime scene and bodies. With scientific advances, the inclusion of Lepidoptera can improve the accuracy of criminal investigations and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the circumstances surrounding crimes. Therefore, the present study aimed to address the importance and relevance of moths and butterflies in forensic entomology based on published scientific works. The research was conducted based on reviews of studies published in peer-reviewed academic journals, using sources such as Google Scholar, PubMed and SciELO. The literature review revealed that these provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic, but highlights the need for further research and the development of specific methods for this group of insects. The ability of Lepidoptera to complement evidence obtained by other insects enriches forensic investigations, offering a more detailed analysis of the circumstances surrounding a crime. With scientific and technological advances, these insects have the potential to become a valuable tool in forensic entomology.