Osteophageous insect damage on human bone from Je'reftheel, a Maya mortuary cave site in west‐central Belize

Wrobel, Gabriel D.; Biggs, Jack

doi:10.1002/oa.2700

Cited by 10 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 31 publications

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“…Although osteophagous beetle activity is well documented on human and animal bones from open sites, tombs, rock shelters or small mortuary caves (Britt et al ., 2008; Thompson et al ., 2018; Wrobel and Biggs, 2018), to date no cases have been reported from deep cave environments. The ichnology of bioerosion in the Bàsura bone assemblage requires further analyses that can allow us to describe the traces and to hypothesize the trace‐makers.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

New insights into taphonomic analysis of the Upper Pleistocene Ursus spelaeus bone deposit from Bàsura cave (Toirano, NW Italy)

Zunino

Starnini

Arobba

et al. 2022

J Quaternary Science

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Bàsura Cave (Toirano, NW Italy) became famous worldwide in 1950 for the discovery of prehistoric human footprints and of an impressive Ursus spelaeus bone deposit baptized by the first explorers 'Cimitero degli Orsi' (Bear Cemetery). Bear remains belonging to the deeper layer of the deposit have been left in situ and are now one of the principal attractions for visitors. A new research project aimed at re-evaluating the legacy and collections from this important cave involved the taphonomic study of the bones, along with sedimentological and micromorphological analyses and new radiocarbon dates to understand the nature and chronology of the deposit. In the present study, element quantification and state of preservation of bone surfaces displayed by distinct skeletal elements were analysed to assess the origin of bone accumulation, the composition of the assemblage in terms of age and species, and the representation of the different portions of the carcasses. Bone sorting, the orientation of skeletal elements along with oxidation pattern and micromorphological data indicate intense reworking of sediments and bones. The site can be considered among those known in Europe as representative of the last populations of U. spelaeus before the demise of this species during the Last Glacial Maximum.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

New insights into taphonomic analysis of the Upper Pleistocene Ursus spelaeus bone deposit from Bàsura cave (Toirano, NW Italy)

Zunino

Starnini

Arobba

et al. 2022

J Quaternary Science

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“…The existing entomology literature about dermestids tends to discuss topics such as taxonomy (e.g., 2), necessary temperatures for development (e.g., 15,16), or artifact dermestids leave behind on animal bone after consuming soft tissue (e.g., 17,18). Literature about dermestids for a broader audience is generally focused on their use for processing nonhuman animal specimens (7,8,9,10,11,19), evidence of their activity from the archaeological or paleontological records (20,21,22,23,24,25), or evidence that they were present on human remains at a modern crime scene (3,26,27,28). Additionally, the available academic literature regarding the upkeep of dermestid colonies is either outdated or not specific regarding the methods necessary to maintain dermestids (e.g., 7,8,29).…”

Section: Figmentioning

confidence: 99%

Recommendations for Maintaining a Dermestid Beetle Colony (Dermestes maculatus) for Processing Human Remains

Ciarleglio

Perez

Motola

et al. 2020

Journal of Forensic Sciences

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Dermestid beetles (Dermestes maculatus De Geer 1774) are small carrion insects characterized by a rounded or oval‐shaped body and white abdomen with black markings. Given their natural propensity to consume soft tissue throughout various stages of decomposition, biological anthropologists have sought to use dermestids as a forensic processing method in addition to traditional chemical tissue removal techniques. Although useful, most of the existing academic literature regarding the upkeep of dermestid colonies for skeletal remains processing either lack specificity or are outdated. Additionally, nonacademic sources that contain information regarding dermestid maintenance are often disjointed, resulting in a difficulty to replicate habitat construction and ideal environmental conditions. Therefore, this technical note presents recommendations for anthropologists interested in establishing and maintaining a D. maculatus population. These recommendations are based on our experiences using several dermestid colonies to process five unembalmed human heads, procured from an anatomical gift company for a larger study on gunshot trauma. Aspects of the dermestids’ environment that are crucial for the management of a healthy colony include the type of bedding, food, water, and containment method used, in addition to maintaining appropriate temperature ranges (24–27°C) and humidity levels (35–73%). Although habitat construction and dermestid maintenance involve materials that are relatively inexpensive and readily available, setting up and maintaining a D. maculatus colony can be laborious and time consuming and should only be undertaken when the volume of casework is such that this investment would be offset.

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“…Recent studies have shown that analysis of osteophagus insects had great importance in the interpretation of the bioarchaeological record since their damage could be misinterpreted either as cultural modifications or as pathologies [8,12,13]. Other studies emphasize the considerable contribution that insect activity plays in the site formation processes and the alteration or destruction of faunal remains [14].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Insect Marks on Bones from La Guillerma Archaeological Locality (Salado River Depression, Buenos Aires, Argentina)

2021

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The La Guillerma archaeological locality is located in the northeast sector of Buenos Aires province (Argentina). Two of its sites (LG1 and LG5), dated between ca. 1400- and 600-years BP, have a great amount of faunal remains including deer, rodents, fish and small birds that are subjected to taphonomic agents and processes (e.g., weathering, manganese, roots). Previous studies have shown osteophagic behaviour in different insects (e.g., Coleoptera, Blattodea). In this paper, we evaluate their incidence on La Guillerma faunal assemblage. We performed an analysis on marks that were identified in bone remains of various taxa and applied the criteria for identifying bone alteration by insects (i.e., by measuring each trace and comparing them with the types of insect marks described in the literature). Fifteen specimens (LG1 = 6 and LG5 = 9) exhibited different types of modifications (e.g., pits with striae in base, pits with emanating striae, striations) that are related to the action of insects. Although the proportion of affected bones is low in relation to the total sample, we highlight our study as the first detailed analysis of insect marks on archaeological bones from Argentina. We also emphasize the significance of addressing insect-produced modifications on Argentinean archaeological sites.

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Osteophageous insect damage on human bone from Je'reftheel, a Maya mortuary cave site in west‐central Belize

Cited by 10 publications

References 31 publications

New insights into taphonomic analysis of the Upper Pleistocene Ursus spelaeus bone deposit from Bàsura cave (Toirano, NW Italy)

New insights into taphonomic analysis of the Upper Pleistocene Ursus spelaeus bone deposit from Bàsura cave (Toirano, NW Italy)

Recommendations for Maintaining a Dermestid Beetle Colony (Dermestes maculatus) for Processing Human Remains

Insect Marks on Bones from La Guillerma Archaeological Locality (Salado River Depression, Buenos Aires, Argentina)

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