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The Forensic Anthropology Research Facility (FARF) at Texas State University (TXST), San Marcos, TX, USA, is a leading human taphonomy facility (HTF), dedicated to advancing forensic science through the study of human decomposition. This systematic review synthesizes 15 scholarly outputs comprising 7 peer-reviewed journal articles and 8 dissertations centered on arthropod-associated research undertaken at FARF, with particular emphasis on its contribution to forensic entomology. The analyzed body of literature is organized into six overarching thematic domains: (1): refining postmortem interval (PMI) estimation; (2): developmental biology of forensic arthropods; (3): arthropod behavior and forensic implications; (4): Taxonomy and systematics; (5): microbial–arthropod interactions; and (6): forensic decomposition scenarios with arthropod involvement. Key contributions from these studies include refined methodologies for PMI estimation, the systematic revision of forensically relevant arthropods and identification of accidental arthropod activity. Additionally, studies at FARF have incorporated interdisciplinary approaches bridging entomology, microbiology and ecology. The semi-arid, subtropical environment and large open natural range of FARF provides some unique regional and specific insights concerning decomposition. This entomological review on FARF is the first to be completed concerning any HTF and adds to the knowledge of forensic evidence involving arthropods.

The present review summarizes the arthropod-related research conducted at the Forensic Anthropology Research Facility (FARF), which operates under the auspices of Texas State University (TXST). It draws on entomology-related research from the establishment of FARF in 2008 to the present. FARF serves as a key site for investigating postmortem biological processes under natural conditions and is the largest of 15 human decomposition research facilities, with 12 located in the United States of America and 3 internationally. While these facilities focus on various aspects of taphonomy, they are primarily operated by forensic anthropologists. Forensic entomology, which examines the role of insects and other arthropods in legal investigations, has been studied directly and indirectly at the FARF. The results documented a wide array of arthropod taxa on human remains, with particular attention given to necrophagous insect groups such as blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and beetles (Coleoptera), which have been utilized in some studies to aid in the estimation of the time since death (TSD). Further studies at FARF have explored the interactions between arthropods and microbial communities to better understand their roles in the decomposition process. Given the subtropical climate of the region, the activity patterns of these organisms are closely linked to abiotic variables such as temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH). Although these findings show promise for improving forensic methodologies, they are accompanied by methodological challenges and contextual limitations that merit further investigation. The central aim of this review is to promote greater involvement of forensic entomology in human taphonomic facilities (HTFs), to support law enforcement and enhance the resolution of forensic casework.