CEPHALOPHARYNGEAL SKELETON MORPHOMETRICS
I am now studying the shape of fly larvae mouth parts or the cephalopharyngeal skeleton by using geometric morphometric analysis. It is a reliable approach to profile the species and to visualize growth changes. In terms of forensic application, the measurement of cephalopharyngeal skeleton is more consistent to larval body length and less affected by the preservatives.
DECOMPOSITION AND SUCCESSION
In forensic entomology, it is very crucial to learn about the association between insects and how they interact with decomposing human body. To simulate this association, a forensic entomologist consistently conducts decomposition studies by using animal carcasses. At UKM Forensics Simulation Site ( a.k.a the Body Farm!), I have conducted several observational studies on animal decomposition and record the succession of insects on the carcass.
THE MALAYSIAN PHORID PROJECT
I am now collecting data on the diversity of scuttle flies (Diptera: Phoridae) in Malaysia including their bionomics and importance in forensic entomology. Scuttle flies are a unique group of flies with diverse habitats and morphology. They can be identified based on their humpbacked appearance with short costal veins and run in erratic manner. The small feature of these flies helps them to locate food and breed easily in confined environments.
