How do maggots help forensic entomologists narrow the time of death of a corpse?

Maggots, particularly those of certain fly species, are key in forensic entomology for estimating the time of death, or post-mortem interval (PMI). They develop in predictable stages, known as instars, which can be correlated with specific time frames based on temperature and environmental conditions. By collecting and analyzing the age of maggots found on a corpse, forensic entomologists can calculate how long the body has been deceased. This information, combined with other evidence, helps establish a more accurate timeline of death.