Insect Identification and Signs of Damage on Organic Monuments from Ancient Egypt-Saqqara

What is it about?

Organic monuments are very susceptible to insect damage. The cumulative effects of this damage can ultimately destroy the organic object. Therefore, it is important to constantly monitor collections for evidence of insect activity. This study aims to identify the insect species that attack the organic monuments in the Saqqara site and storerooms, as well as discuss the significance of insects and the changes they cause to the organic monuments. To achieve these aims, sticky traps for crawling insects were distributed in storeroom halls and the conservation lab for twelve months. The isolated insects have been identified by visual investigation, including a stereo microscope and a USB digital microscope. The identified insects include white ants (Psammotermes), spider beetles (Gibbium psylloides), silverfish (Thermobia eagyptiaca), powder post beetles (Lyctus brunneus), cigarette beetles (Lasioderma serricorne), larder beetles (Dermestes lardarius), black carpet beetles (Attagenus unicolor), and larvae of varied carpet beetles (Anthrenus verbasci). The studied organic monuments showed different signs of deterioration and degradation caused by insects, such as holes, tunnels, gaps, missing parts, and accumulated dust.

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Why is it important?

The studied organic monuments showed different signs of deterioration and degradation caused by insects, such as holes, tunnels, gaps, missing parts, and accumulated dust. The identified insects include white ants (Psammotermes), spider beetles (Gibbium psylloides), silverfish (Thermobia eagyptiaca), powder post beetles (Lyctus brunneus), cigarette beetles (Lasioderma serricorne), larder beetles (Dermestes lardarius), black carpet beetles (Attagenus unicolor), and larvae of varied carpet beetles (Anthrenus verbasci).