Forensic acarology: mite knows more for being old than for being a mite

Abstract

Mites are arachnids of small size, very diverse and abundant; they live in all types of environments in the world, they are part of the planet’s biodiversity and are important in many aspects of our lives. In Mexico, their knowledge includes cultural aspects, applied to place names and oral traditions such as proverbs. In particular, they can be witnesses to a crime by providing information about their presence in a corpse. Their study is carried out by a specialist, the forensic acarologist, who helps resolving medico-legal cases, cases of stored products, among others. In Mexico the application and study of forensic acarology is in full development, hence the importance of knowing the contributions of this discipline as an element for the administrations of justice. Currently, several working groups are venturing into this area; the National Autonomous University of Mexico (unam) houses the Forensic Reference Arthropod Collection (carf), which allows links with various academic and justice institutions in the country.