Anobium Punctatum Research Articles

Insect catch at historic libraries in rural and urban settings

The historic libraries of Austria are often elegant classical spaces. The collections are sensitive to damage by insects, such as silverfish (Lepismatidae), biscuit beetles (Stegobium paniceum), spider beetle (Ptinus fur) and the furniture beetle (Anobium punctatum) and a range of other beetles e.g. Dermestidae, which attack carpets and museum objects. Warmer conditions and changes in humidity might encourage new species to appear at these locations. Historic libraries represent a useful group to study, because they have similar collections, with only limited addition of new material and sometimes very few visitors, thus representing a stable indoor ecosystem. The five monastic libraries in the study occupy a range of settings, from rural to urban. Additionally, there were three research libraries in Vienna. Insects were caught over several years (up to 10) from the eastern parts of Austria using sticky blunder and pheromone (webbing clothes moth) traps. Higher annual catch rates were found in more rural monastic settings and revealed a less even spread of species (a high Gini coefficient) than at urban sites. The Shannon diversity was higher in the urban research libraries. Species within the same family can show differences in preference: silverfish Lepisma saccharinum (rural), Ctenolepisma longicaudatum (urban) or C. calvum (urban), carpet beetles Anthrenus museorum (rural) and A. verbasci (urban). The differences may be a function of the land use, climate, air pollution or human activities. The work suggests that managing insects in these libraries need to account for differences between rural and urban locations.

Predicting the changing insect threat in the UK heritage environment

Environmental changes affecting museums and historic properties will probably result in increased numbers of insect pests or new species. Databases such as WhatsEatingYourCollection (WEYC) and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility have been used along with academic publications to predict such changes in the research presented here. The species mix in the WEYC database seems consistent across major London historic properties. Overall, common silverfish (Lepisma saccharinum) are often reported, although in future there may be an increase in other species such as Ctenolepisma longicaudatum and Ctenolepisma calvum given their increased frequency. Dermestidae (carpet and furniture beetles) may benefit from wood with increasing moisture content, and although not especially abundant, Attagenus smirnovi (brown carpet beetle) and Reesa vespulae (skin beetle) may increase as they have done on the European continent. Tineola bisselliella, a damaging moth, has invoked increasing concern over the last two decades and Cryptophagus spp. (fungus beetles) could mobilise fungal spores under a future climate more favourable to germination. Lyctus brunneus (powderpost beetle) may find future conditions favourable and attack sapwoods used in repairs. Furthermore, Reticulitermes flavipes (subterranean termite) is potentially an accidental import to the UK and may become more common given current temperatures are suitable for survival in well-drained loamy soils, and future climates would allow a presence in the north of England. Warmer conditions can lead to the presence of new species or a migration of species across the British Isles and their spread can also be encouraged through the loan of objects or on packing materials. Factors other than climate, such as changing indoor habitats, new food sources and novel uses of heritage venues can also encourage expanding insect populations. This article summarises these predicted changes in species distribution and outlines their potential threat to heritage.

Bostrichoidea Species in Forest Nurseries of the Western Black Sea Region of Türkiye

The study was conducted using light traps and pheromone traps between 2021 and 2022 in selected forest nurseries of the Western Black Sea Region of Türkiye. The insect species were morphologically described. Identification of species was made by referring to the relevant literature. The antenna and aedeagus of some species were photographed using a stereo microscope. In total, 3 families, 7 subfamilies, 7 genera and 7 species were identified in this study. These species are Anobium punctatum, Attagenus persicus, Dermestes undulatus, Ptinus (Bruchoptinus) sp., Sinoxylon sexdentatum, Trogoderma inclusum, and Xestobium rufovillosum. At the end of the study, 2 insect species were identified as new records for the region.

Ammoniacal Zinc Borate for Wood Protection against Fungi and Insects

The organic nature of wood makes it susceptible to abiotic and biotic degradation. Impregnation with chemical products is the most common method of protection. Only inorganic borates combine the unique set of properties that make them well suited for wood protection: they are insecticidal, fungicidal and flame retardants. In this work, zinc borate is suspended in an ammonia solution and applied in depth to wood. Its resistance to leaching is evaluated. The product is tested against rot fungi (Gloeophyllum trabeum and Trametes versicolor) and a xylophagous insect (Anobium punctatum). The results verify its effectiveness as a wood protector, while leaching less than other borate-based products.

Premières données xylo- et anthraco-entomologiques à l’époque gallo-romaine

Premières données xylo- et anthraco-entomologiques à l’époque gallo-romaine

Effect of Primary Spruce Lamella Aging on the Bending Characteristics of Glulam Beams

Glued laminated (glulam) beams are used in the roofs, ceilings and walls of buildings as well as in bridges and towers. At present, with the limitation of tree harvesting, the production of glulam beams from recycled wood sources is implemented with the proviso that their mechanical properties and resistance to pests, fire and weathering will not be aggravated. This work deals with the primary effect of aging Norway spruce wood (Picea abies Karst. L.) lamellas on the moduli of rupture (MOR) and elasticity (MOE) in bending of three-layer glulam beams composed of sound and aged lamellas and polyurethane (PUR) glue. Three methods of lamella aging were used: (A) natural, lasting 60 years in the form of roof trusses with a greater or lesser degree of bio-attack by woodworm (Anobium punctatum De Geer); (B) artificial, caused by increased temperatures from 160 to 220 °C for 4 h; (C) artificial, caused by 2% water solutions of inorganic preservatives, namely, CuSO4 × 5H2O, ZnCl2, H3BO3 or (NH4)2SO4, for 28 days. The lowest MOR values were determined for glulam beams in which all three lamellas or two surface lamellas had a greater degree of bio-attack (60.5 MPa, a decrease of 25.9%) or were exposed to primary aging at 220 °C (62.6 MPa, a decrease of 23.3%). On the contrary, the exposure of lamellas to 160 or 180 °C did not significantly influence the MOR of beams (76.0–82.7 MPa, an average decrease of 1.6%). The MOE of glulam beams ranged from 7540 to 10,432 MPa without an obvious influence of the method of lamella aging or their location in the beams. Linear correlations between the MOR or MOE of glulam beams and the shear strength (σ) of glued joints, if both composite types consisted of similarly aged lamellas, were only slightly significant or insignificant.

Back to the Middle Ages: Entomological and Botanical Elements Reveal New Aspects of the Burial of Saint Davino of Armenia.

The natural mummy of Saint Davino Armeno (11th century) is preserved in the church of Saint Michele in Foro in the city of Lucca (Tuscany, Central Italy). The body of Davino is one of the oldest Italian mummies of a Saint, and his paleopathological study was performed in 2018. In the present research, we investigated the arthropod fragments and botanical remains collected from the body, coffin, and fabrics of Saint Davino. Entomological analyses outlined the presence of 192 arthropod fragments. Among these, Diptera, Muscidae (Hydrotaea capensis and Muscina sp.), and Phoridae (Conicera sp.) puparia were the most abundant. Regarding Coleoptera, Ptinidae (Anobium punctatum) were the most frequent, followed by Cleridae (Necrobia sp.), Trogidae (Trox scaber), Curculionidae (Sitophilus granarius), and Histeridae (Gnathoncus). Cocoons of Tineidae and Pyralidae moths were found, along with a propodeum joined to the petiole and a mesopleuron of an Ichneumoninae parasitoid. Numerous metamera of Julida and three scorpion fragments were also found. Botanical samples indicated the presence of a quite broad botanical community, including gramineous species, olives, evergreen oaks, and grapevine. Overall, entomological data allow us to argue that Saint Davino was first buried into the soil, probably in a wooden coffin, thus supporting the historical-hagiographic tradition according to which he was buried sub divo in the cemetery of Saint Michele. The preservation of the body as a natural mummy may have been facilitated by burial in a coffin that prevented direct contact of the corpse with the earth. Botanical remains offer confirmation of a late medieval urban environment rich in horticultural areas and trees, giving us a landscape that is very different from the current Tuscan city.

Looking under the skin: multi-scale CT scanning of a peculiarly constructed cornett in the Rijksmuseum

Covered tightly by a thin leather skin, three early seventeenth-century cornetts from the collection of the Rijksmuseum were examined with the focus on their construction and manufacturing. One cornett of the three unexpectedly turned out to have a peculiar construction and to be made out of two sections of different wood species. The question arose whether this could be original or is the result of an extensive restoration.As the internal structure is not accessible for analysis and examination, multi-scale Computed Tomography (CT) scanning was employed to identify the exact regions of interest (ROI) and subsequently perform scans at a sufficiently high resolution in those areas. 3D images of the hollow spaces such as the tunnelling structure caused by the common furniture beetle (Anobium punctatum) criss-crossing the wood species could be computed from the 3D x-ray tomography reconstruction. This allowed to place the occurrence of the insect infestation after the joining of the two sections. Fine tool-marks, signs of construction and potential indications of earlier treatments could be visualized. These results were compared with the other two instruments of the same group and cross-referenced to instruments in other collections, in an attempt to answer questions about the instrument’s authenticity and originality. While the unusual construction out of two wood species might be the result of an extensive repair, another possible hypothesis—based on the combination of the results—is that this unique choice of original manufacturing was intentional, possibly to avoid splitting of the wood when inserting the mouthpiece or to counteract undesired vibrations when played.

Taxonomy, comparative genomics and evolutionary insights of Penicillium ucsense: a novel species in series Oxalica.

The genomes of two Penicillium strains were sequenced and studied in this study: strain 2HH was isolated from the digestive tract of Anobium punctatum beetle larva in 1979 and the cellulase hypersecretory strain S1M29, derived from strain 2HH by a long-term mutagenesis process. With these data, the strains were reclassified and insight is obtained on molecular features related to cellulase hyperproduction and the albino phenotype of the mutant. Both strains were previously identified as Penicillium echinulatum and this investigation indicated that these should be reclassified. Phylogenetic and phenotype data showed that these strains represent a new Penicillium species in series Oxalica, for which the name Penicillium ucsense is proposed here. Six additional strains (SFC101850, SFCP10873, SFCP10886, SFCP10931, SFCP10932 and SFCP10933) collected from the marine environment in the Republic of Korea were also classified as this species, indicating a worldwide distribution of this new taxon. Compared to the closely related strain Penicillium oxalicum 114-2, the composition of cell wall-associated proteins of P. ucsense 2HH shows five fewer chitinases, considerable differences in the number of proteins related to β-D-glucan metabolism. The genomic comparison of 2HH and S1M29 highlighted single amino-acid substitutions in two major proteins (BGL2 and FlbA) that can be associated with the hyperproduction of cellulases. The study of melanin pathways shows that the S1M29 albino phenotype resulted from a single amino-acid substitution in the enzyme ALB1, a precursor of the 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN)-melanin biosynthesis. Our study provides important knowledge towards understanding species distribution, molecular mechanisms, melanin production and cell wall biosynthesis of this new Penicillium species.

Biodeterioro causado por insectos en materiales y objetos de valor patrimonial

In Argentina, the main insects that cause biodegradation in heritage objects are beetles (Anobiidae, Coleoptera). The most frequent species in texts are Tricorynus herbarius (Gorham) and Stegobium paniceum (L.) and in working woods are Anobium punctatum De Geer and Xyletinus brasiliensis Pic. The damage in texts corresponds to galleries in covers, spines and pages and circular holes in spines. In wood they also generate galleries that cause the weakening of the support. Silverfish (Zygentoma) and cockroaches (Blattodea) produce superficial scrapes on texts and faecal spots, and larvae of the clothing moth Tineola bisselliella Hummel (Lepidoptera) feed on bookbinding fabrics. The spider webs collaborate with the accumulation of dirt and the remains and feces of the aforementioned fauna represent a substrate for chemical contamination and the development of other biodeteriorant organisms. The specific identification, the knowledge about the biology and the detection of signs of the actions of these insects, constitute the previous step for the implementation of preventive and curative conservation measures with a view to stopping, minimizing or counteracting the deterioration, ensuring the protection of the materials. Illustrative practical examples of objects of heritage value from Argentina are presented.

A new biological method to control Anobium punctatum, by using the parasitoid wasp Spathius exarator

AbstractBiological pest control by means of beneficial organisms is for long part of agriculture and Integrated Pest Management (IPM). A new and efficient strategy to control the most common timber pest species in churches and museums, the furniture beetle Anobium punctatum (De Geer) (Coleoptera: Anobiidae), is based on the parasitoid wasp species Spathius exarator (Linnaeus) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). Once this braconid wasp detects its host species beneath the surface, it pierces the wood with its ovipositor to lay one single egg onto the beetle larva. After hatching, the wasp larva feeds on the beetle larva thereby killing it. Afterwards, it pupates and emerges through a self‐gnawed hole as an adult wasp. The tiny, 0.5‐mm‐wide exit hole can easily be distinguished from the 1‐ to 2‐mm‐wide exit hole of A. punctatum. Laboratory tests revealed that female wasps have an average life span of 85 days and produce a total of 24 offspring, when nutrition is provided. Between 2012 and 2019, braconid wasps were introduced into 54 different A. punctatum infested buildings. Treatment success was monitored by examining exit holes of new beetles and wasps thereby calculating corresponding parasitism rates. After the first year of treatment, parasitism rates were significantly higher with a mean value of 0.15 when compared to untreated objects with a natural parasitism and a mean value of 0.08 (n = 54). Following treatment of three objects over a period of eight years, parasitism rates continuously increased from 0.02 up to 0.31. In a church organ, which was treated during this period, the monitoring revealed a complete suppression of pest activity. These data prove that this biological method of pest control is an efficient, sustainable and non‐toxic option to manage the common furniture beetle.

Wood-borers in Historic Ships

ABSTRACT Using evidence of wood-borers in several of the National Museum of the Royal Navy’s historic ships, this article will examine the threat posed to the historic fabric by non-marine species and the reasons that we struggle to eradicate the problem. The relationship between fungal attack and beetle activity will be discussed, and the need for supporting research into this and other aspects of damage due to wood-boring species. HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and HMS Trincomalee all suffer from attack by wood-boring species, though the infestations are in different stages of development on each vessel. By investigating and employing an integrated pest management strategy on Trincomalee, we hope to learn more about the most effective means of combatting the much more widespread infestation of death watch beetle on Victory. Other wood-borers including weevil, furniture beetle and wharfborer are also present across our collection of ships, and all these species are facilitated by the damp conditions which can never be truly resolved as the ships are located in open coastal environments.

Transportation of Wood Boring Beetles in Wooden Transport Boxes, Wooden Pallets, and Newly Bought Wood in Museums

ABSTRACT In the past, woodborers like A. punctatum and X. rufovillosum were widespread in historic furniture, households, and building structures, but as they need a high wood moisture content and central heating and climate control have become common today their occurrence is rare and often limited to open-air museums, rural museums, and historic buildings. In this paper, we report on the spread and transportation of different wood-boring beetles with wooden pallets, wooden transport boxes used for art transportation, and also the rising problem of different Lyctus species (powder post beetles) in new wood used in museums. Not only the native Lyctus linearis but also the introduced L. brunneus, L. cavicollis, and L. africanus can be found in transport boxes (nine cases in Germany between 2003 and 2015), infestations of new picture frames (three cases in Austria between 2010 and 2015), and new wood sold to carpenters in museum and conservation studios (used for new stretcher and picture frames, two cases in Austria). In some cases (two in Germany) a newly-laid parquet floor was infested by powder post beetles. The house longhorn beetle (H. bajulus), the furniture beetle (A. punctatum), and the Anobiid Oligomerus ptilinoides were all found infesting wooden pallets inside museum stores (five cases in Austria). New wooden pallets and transport boxes are treated once with heat after production, but our examples show that infestation and transportation of wood pests are still possible and are a new challenge for integrated pest management (IPM) in the future. We examine and discuss the materials used to transport art and possible measures to combat and prevent pests (plastic pallets or the use of other wood types). In addition, the biology and life-history of powderpost beetles is described.

Essential Oils as Natural Biocides in Conservation of Cultural Heritage.

Essential oils (EOs) have been known for a long time, and they are used in several fields such as medicine and aromatherapy, as well as in the food and pharmaceutical industries. In the last decade, EOs have also been applied to contrast the biodeterioration of cultural heritage, representing a powerful resource in green conservation strategies. In this study, an integrated approach based on microscopic observation, in vitro culture, and molecular investigation was preliminarily employed to identify biological systems colonizing wooden artworks. In order to contrast the biodeterioration processes induced by fungal colonization (Aspergillus flavus) or insect infestation (Anobium punctatum), wooden artworks were exposed to the volatile compound of Origanum vulgare or Thymus vulgaris essential oils (EOs), the chemical composition of which was determined by GC–MS using both polar and apolar columns. Artwork exposure was performed in ad-hoc-assembled “clean chambers.” Evaluating the effects on biological systems, the compatibility with artwork constitutive materials, and the lack of negative effects on human health and environmental pollution, the use of EOs as a valid alternative to traditional biocides must be considered.

Damage Caused by the Furniture Beetle (Anobium punctatum) on Cultural and Historic Hardwood types "Case Study"

Damage Caused by the Furniture Beetle (Anobium punctatum) on Cultural and Historic Hardwood types "Case Study"

Laboratory breeding of Korynetes caeruleus (Coleoptera: Cleridae) for the biological control of Anobium punctatum (Coleoptera: Ptinidae)

Larvae and adults of Korynetes caeruleus (de Geer 1775) (Coleoptera: Cleridae) were collected from old churches and reared in the laboratory on Anobium punctatum (de Geer 1774) (Coleoptera: Ptinidae). Breeding success of K. caeruleus was low, but basic parameters of this species' developmental cycle were identified. At 21°C and 75% relative humidity and a four-month cold period at 4°C, the development of K. caeruleus from egg to adult appearance lasted 2 years. The pupal stage may be reached and completed after one and a half years. Feeding on larvae of A. punctatum by larvae of K. caeruleus was observed and consisted of a combination of sucking haemolymph and consuming body parts. The sickle-like mandibles of larvae of K. caeruleus penetrate the cuticle of prey larvae; this is followed by pumping and sucking body movements. Adult beetles of A. punctatum were not attacked by K. caeruleus larvae. Feeding behaviour of adult K. caeruleus was not investigated.

A Taxonomic Review of Anobiinae and Dorcatominae (Ptinidae: Coleoptera) In Egypt

Two subfamilies of Egyptian Ptinid were taxonomically studied during this work, the first subfamily Dorcatominae represented by one species, Synanobium parmatum and the second subfamily Anobiinae represented by five species, Oligomerus ptilinoides, Stegobium paniceum, Gastrallus pubens, Nicobium castaneiim, and Anobium punctatum. A key to the species together with diagnostic characters and illustrations are given for each species

Retrospect, insights and foresights: Biological control of Anobium puntcatum with Spathius exarator : Presentation

Biological control using beneficial organisms is getting more and more important in Integrated Pest Management. An effective strategy in the fight against the most common timber pest species, the furniture beetle Anobium punctatum, is based on the parasitoid wasp species Spathius exarator. This braconid wasp parasitizes its host species by piercing its ovipositor directly through the wood surface followed by oviposition onto the beetle larva. After feeding on the larva and pupation, the adult wasp emerges through a tiny 0.5 mm wide wood hole, which can be clearly distinguished from the 2 mm wide hole of A. punctatum. This enables us to observe easily the treatment success as each new S. exarator exit hole is equivalent to one killed beetle larva. Between 2012 and 2017, the braconid wasps were introduced into about 80 A. punctatum infested buildings. At least twelve treatments over a period of up to three years were performed. On exactly defined areas, the newly emerged exit holes of A. punctatum and S. exarator were counted and the parasitisation rate was calculated. Here we present pooled data of 29 A. punctatum infested churches, successfully treated and monitored over a period of one to five years. Furthermore, as a representative sample, we show the results of one church over a period of six years. We demonstrate the biological control of the common furniture beetle with this braconid wasp as an efficient, sustainable alternative to conventional residual methods. However, after a period of up to three years intensive treatment, a continuous monitoring-program with necessary additional single treatments should follow.

Preliminary research on mortality of wood destroying Anobiidae (Coleoptera) following the application of p-dichlorobenzene in combination with low oxygen atmosphere fumigation

Abstract Experiments were undertaken in connection with the need, indicated in the literature, for the proper choice of a substance enhancing the effect of a low oxygen atmosphere used as a means of controlling wood boring insects in museum collections and historical objects. A low oxygen atmosphere itself causes the death of wood boring insects after a relatively long period of application. Thus, attempts were made to use p-dichlorobenzene to accelerate the effects of a low oxygen atmosphere in the control of wood boring insects. The experiments were performed as a continuation of preliminary research on the effect of p-dichlorobenzene on Anobiidae in an aerobic atmosphere. The paper present the results of gassing Anobium punctatum and Ptilinus pectinicornis (Coleoptera: Anobiidae) larvae with 1,4-dichlorobenzene in a low oxygen atmosphere of nitrogen and argon. The experiments were performed in laboratory conditions at a temperature of 20°C on larvae extracted from wood. The results do not show a faster elimination of larvae of either species using p-dichlorobenzene in a low oxygen atmosphere as compared to using p-dichlorobenzene in an aerobic atmosphere. Complete eradication of larvae in the test groups was obtained after 48 hours when using p-dichlorobenzene in nitrogen. The results obtained when using p-dichlorobenzene in argon appear to be worse at fumigation times shorter than 48 hours.

Investigation of natural durability of some native and exotic wood species against Hylotrupes bajulus (Cerambycidae) and Anobium punctatum (Anobiidae)

Aim of study: In this study, natural durability of some domestic and foreign wood species against Hylotrupes bajulus and Anobium punctatum larvae were tested on laboratory scaleArea of study: This study was conducted at Department of Forest Products Engineering in Duzce University, Turkey and Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), Germany.Material and Methods: Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris), fir (Abies nordmanniana), spruce (Picea orientalis), cedar (Cedrus libani), poplar (Populus tremula) and beech (Fagus orientalis) woods were used to test H. bajulus larvae (EN 46-1). Alder (Alnus glutinosa), oak (Quercus cerris), poplar (Populus tremula), beech (Fagus orientalis), maple (Acer carpinifolium), ash (Fraxinus angustifolia), teak (Tectona grandis), ayous (Triplochiton scleroxylon), movingui (Distemonanthus benthamianus), dahoma (Piptadeniastrum africanum), iroko (Chlorophora excelsa), bubinga (Guibourtia tessmannii) and sapele (Entandrophragma cylindiricum) woods were used for A. punctatum larvae (EN 49-1). At the end of the experiment, the mortality rates of the larvae were determined and the size and weights of the surviving larvae were measured.Main results: F. orientalis and C. libani were found to be the most resistant wood species against H. bajulus larvae while A. nordmanniana was the least resistant. All tropical wood species and oak and maple from domestic wood species showed 100% mortality rate therefore found to be the most resistant against A. punctatum larvae. The most vulnerable wood species was found to be alder with a 35% mortality. Research highlights: while F. orientalis, C. libani, and P. tremula were found the most resistance wood species against H. bajulus, P. sylvestris and A. nordmanniana were determined as most vulnerable. All tropical wood species and two domestic species (Q. cerris and A. carpinifolium) showed the highest mortality rate as 100%. The least durable domestic wood was determined as alder.