A Synopsis of Two Decades of Arthropod Related Research at the Forensic Anthropology Research Facility (FARF), Texas State University (TXST), San Marcos, Texas, USA

Tennyson B Nkhoma; Gabriella D Rakopoulou; Scott H Fortney; Daniel J Wescott; Katherine M Spradley; Ian R Dadour

doi:10.3390/insects16090897

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A Synopsis of Two Decades of Arthropod Related Research at the Forensic Anthropology Research Facility (FARF), Texas State University (TXST), San Marcos, Texas, USA

Journal article

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A Synopsis of Two Decades of Arthropod Related Research at the Forensic Anthropology Research Facility (FARF), Texas State University (TXST), San Marcos, Texas, USA

Tennyson B Nkhoma, Gabriella D Rakopoulou, Scott H Fortney, Daniel J Wescott, Katherine M Spradley and Ian R Dadour

Insects (Basel, Switzerland), Vol.16(9), 897

2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16090897

PMID: 41009080

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Abstract

anthropology

forensic entomology

forensic acarology

postmortem interval

human decomposition

forensic science

human taphonomy facilities

arthropod-related research

The Forensic Anthropology Research Facility (FARF) at Texas State University (TXST), San Marcos, TX, USA, is a leading human taphonomy facility (HTF), dedicated to advancing forensic science through the study of human decomposition. This systematic review synthesizes 15 scholarly outputs comprising 7 peer-reviewed journal articles and 8 dissertations centered on arthropod-associated research undertaken at FARF, with particular emphasis on its contribution to forensic entomology. The analyzed body of literature is organized into six overarching thematic domains: (1): refining postmortem interval (PMI) estimation; (2): developmental biology of forensic arthropods; (3): arthropod behavior and forensic implications; (4): Taxonomy and systematics; (5): microbial-arthropod interactions; and (6): forensic decomposition scenarios with arthropod involvement. Key contributions from these studies include refined methodologies for PMI estimation, the systematic revision of forensically relevant arthropods and identification of accidental arthropod activity. Additionally, studies at FARF have incorporated interdisciplinary approaches bridging entomology, microbiology and ecology. The semi-arid, subtropical environment and large open natural range of FARF provides some unique regional and specific insights concerning decomposition. This entomological review on FARF is the first to be completed concerning any HTF and adds to the knowledge of forensic evidence involving arthropods.

Details

Title: A Synopsis of Two Decades of Arthropod Related Research at the Forensic Anthropology Research Facility (FARF), Texas State University (TXST), San Marcos, Texas, USA
Authors/Creators: Tennyson B Nkhoma - University of Florida
Gabriella D Rakopoulou - University of Florida
Scott H Fortney - University of Florida
Daniel J Wescott - Texas State University
Katherine M Spradley - Texas State University
Ian R Dadour - Source Certain, Perth, WA 6947, Australia
Publication Details: Insects (Basel, Switzerland), Vol.16(9), 897
Publisher: MDPI
Number of pages: 29
Identifiers: 991005816849307891
Murdoch Affiliation: School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Citation topics: 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology; 3.32 Entomology; 3.32.1638 Forensic Entomology
Web Of Science research areas: Entomology
ESI research areas: Plant & Animal Science