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Forensic Entomology Insights: Effects of Cocaine and Carbamate on Cadaveric Entomofauna and Postmortem Interval Estimation
Maria Luiza Cavallari
* 1 ,
José Eduardo Tolezano
2
1  School of Nursing, FASIG – IGESP Faculty of Health Sciences, 01301-000 São Paulo, Brazil
2  Parasitology and Mycology Center, Adolfo Lutz Institute, 01246-000 São Paulo, Brazil
Academic Editor: Roger Narayan
Published: 03 December 2025 by MDPI in The 6th International Electronic Conference on Applied Sciences session Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering
Abstract:

Forensic entomology utilizes insect succession patterns to estimate the postmortem interval (PMI), a vital tool in criminal investigations, especially for corpses in advanced decomposition. This study explored how toxic substances—cocaine and carbamate ("chumbinho")—influence decomposition and entomofauna succession in pig carcasses (Sus scrofa domesticus) in an urban setting in São Paulo, Brazil. Three carcasses (two experimental, one control) were euthanized, intoxicated accordingly, and exposed in cages with interception traps from July to September 2016. Over this period, 15,870 adult insects (Diptera, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera) and 1,952 immature insects (Diptera, Hymenoptera) were collected and analyzed. Cocaine accelerated larval colonization within 24 hours, compared to Day 2 in the control, while carbamate delayed it until Day 15, suggesting differential toxicological impacts on insect behavior. The cocaine-exposed carcass showed the highest insect attraction, though species visitation did not differ significantly across models. Decomposition phases progressed synchronously in all carcasses, unaffected by the toxins. These substances altered PMI estimation: cocaine shortened it, while carbamate extended it, potentially skewing forensic timelines. The findings underscore the need to account for toxicological factors in PMI calculations, enhancing the reliability of entomological evidence in death investigations involving drug overdoses or poisoning. This research bridges applied biosciences and forensic science, offering practical insights for criminalistics.

Keywords: Forensic entomology; toxicology; postmortem interval; cocaine; carbamate; Diptera; Sus scrofa domesticus
  • Open Access
  • 13 Reads
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Comments on this paper
Kylie Gray
4 December 2025
This study provides very useful insights for forensic entomology. Understanding how substances like cocaine and carbamate affect insect activity and PMI estimation is crucial for accurate forensic analysis. The experimental approach with real carcasses adds practical value, and the findings will definitely help improve the reliability of entomological evidence in investigations.
Barlow Louiz
4 December 2025
This is a fascinating study that highlights how toxic substances can significantly affect forensic entomology analyses. The contrasting effects of cocaine and carbamate on insect colonization and PMI estimation are particularly striking, showing that toxins can either accelerate or delay decomposition timelines. It’s a great reminder of the importance of considering toxicological factors when interpreting entomological evidence, especially in urban forensic cases. This kind of research clearly strengthens the accuracy and reliability of PMI calculations in real-world investigations.
Murphy Crew
4 December 2025
The difference between accelerated activity with cocaine and the strong delay with carbamate is especially important, because both substances could easily lead to major errors in PMI estimation if entomological data is interpreted without toxicological context.

The fact that decomposition stages stayed synchronized across all carcasses is also useful. It suggests that insects, not the decomposition process itself, are the main variable influenced by these toxins. That distinction can help forensic teams decide when insect evidence is reliable and when it needs to be weighed more carefully.

Research like this adds clarity to a field where small timing differences can change the direction of an investigation, so it’s valuable to see controlled studies focusing on real-world conditions.
Samuel Berry
4 December 2025
This research sheds light on the critical influence of substances like cocaine and carbamate on insect colonization patterns in forensic entomology. By demonstrating how these toxins can either accelerate or delay larval colonization, the study underscores the importance of considering toxicological factors when estimating the postmortem interval (PMI). These findings are essential for improving the accuracy of PMI determinations in real world forensic investigations, especially those involving drug related deaths.


 
 
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