What field studies the role of insects in investigations of death and abuse cases?

The field that specifically investigates the role of insects in death and abuse cases is known as medico-legal forensic entomology. This branch of entomology focuses on the application of insect life cycles and behavior in a legal context, particularly in determining the time of death and the circumstances surrounding death or abuse. Medico-legal forensic entomologists analyze insect evidence found at crime scenes, such as the types of insects present and their developmental stages, to provide crucial information that can assist in investigations.

While general entomology studies insects broadly, forensic pathology deals with the medical aspects of death and the nature of injuries, and criminal psychology focuses on the mental state of individuals involved in criminal behavior. Therefore, these fields do not specialize in the specific interactions between insects and human remains as it pertains to legal cases.