Editing Forensic entomology (section)

=== Moisture levels ===
Both the decomposition and insect activity on a corpse are significantly influenced by humidity. Elevated humidity can hasten the decomposition process by fostering microbial proliferation, which facilitates the breakdown of tissues. Additionally the odors and gases produced by this microbial activity draw insects to the body. These smells are particularly attractive to insects like blowflies and flesh flies, which may quickly populate a body in humid conditions.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Campobasso CP, Di Vella G, Introna F | title = Factors affecting decomposition and Diptera colonization | journal = Forensic Science International | volume = 120 | issue = 1–2 | pages = 18–27 | date = August 2001 | pmid = 11457604 | doi = 10.1016/S0379-0738(01)00411-X }}</ref>

Low humidity, on the other hand, can impede the breakdown process. Mummification rather that breakdown may result from the body losing moisture more quickly in arid settings. Given that many insects need damp atmosphere to survive, this may discourage their activity. Nonetheless, some insects, like dermestid beetles, can survive in dry environments and can still be found on a body.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.clt.uwa.edu.au/__data/page/112507/fse07_forensic_entomology.pdf | title = Forensic entomology: use of insects to help solve crimes | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120119175704/http://www.clt.uwa.edu.au/__data/page/112507/fse07_forensic_entomology.pdf | archive-date=19 January 2012 | work = Uwa.edu.au | date = 20 March 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book | vauthors = Vilet MH, Richards CS, Midgley JM | date = 2010 | chapter = Contemporary precision, bias and accuracy of minimum post-mortem intervals estimated using development of carrion-feeding insects. | veditors = Amendt J, Campobasso CP, Goff ML, Grassberger M | title = Current concepts in forensic entomology. | location = Heidelberg | publisher = Springer | pages = 109–137 }}</ref>

The existence of standing water next to a body can also affect the activity of insects. Aquatic insects, such as water beetles and some fly species, may be drawn to bodies near water sources. These insects can colonize the body and hasten its decomposition. Furthermore, because different insect species have distinct preference for habitats, the presence of water might influence the kinds of insects that inhabits the body.

All things considered, the rate and pattern of a corpse's decomposition and insect colonization are greatly influenced by its humidity. To estimate the postmortem period and reconstruct the circumstances around a death, forensic entomologists can benefit from an understanding of how humidity levels affect decomposition.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = VanLaerhoven SL, Anderson GS | title = Insect succession on buried carrion in two biogeoclimatic zones of British Columbia | journal = Journal of Forensic Sciences | volume = 44 | issue = 1 | pages = 32–43 | date = January 1999 | pmid = 9987868 | doi = 10.1520/JFS14409J }}</ref>