Altägyptische Fliegen- und Käferrelikte in einem Priestersarg der achtzehnten Dynastie

Abstract

Ancient Egyptian insect relics were accidentally enclosed in embalming resin which leaked from a priest's mummy and solidified on the floor of a wooden coffin from the end of the XVIII^th Dynasty (presumably 1323 – 1295 BC). The preserved insect relics were blowflies (Calliphoridae) recognized as Chrysomya marginalis or Chrysomya megacephala whose larvae had developed by feeding on the deceased's body prior to mummification as well as furniture beetles (Anobiidae) being either Oligomerus ptilinoides or Priobium carpini whose larvae had ingested the coniferous wood of the coffin. It is most likely that the human corpse and coffin were first attacked by the blowflies and furniture beetles prior to embalming, while infestation of the insect remains and textiles by Anthrenus sp. (Dermestidae) occurred in our time.