Final answer:
Blow fly larval development is used to determine the time of death. Forensic entomologists can estimate the time since death by examining the stages of blow fly maggots. Factors like temperature and food availability can affect the duration of blow fly larval development.
Step-by-step explanation:
Blow fly larval development is used by forensic entomologists to determine the time of death. Flies lay their eggs on dead animals, and the eggs hatch into maggots. The maggots go through several stages of development, known as instars, which can be used to estimate the time since death. The time it takes for blow fly larvae to reach certain stages of development is influenced by factors such as temperature and availability of food.