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The aim of this photographic guide is to assist archaeobotanists and archaeoentomologists in the identification of calcium-phosphate replaced mineralised biological remains that are of archaeological significance.High quality photographic images (magnifications of x6 to x80) of identifiable plant and insect taxa are presented, primarily using mineralised archaeological material, including high magnification images of specific structures and cell layers (magnifications of up to x160). Variations of potential preservation are illustrated where possible, although many more variations can be expected to be found in archaeological deposits.The guide highlights identification criteria, provides examples of archaeological sites which yielded mineralised material and information on modern ecology, and outlines the interpretative value of each taxon. This first edition provides information on some of the most commonly found mineralised taxa from cesspits, drains and middens dating from the prehistoric to post-medieval periods. It is envisaged that additional pages will be added, and some pages may be updated, as further well-preserved reference material becomes available. The authors, therefore, would like to hear from colleagues who are willing to lend mineralised botanical and entomological material for photographic purposes. We are particularly eager to receive information about plant and insect remains whose identifications can be confirmed due to the preservation of key characteristics, for example where fruit pericarps are waterlogged and internal structures are mineralised. This volume only contains insects that have been found mineralised from a range of deposits by David Smith or have been published in the wider literature (the exception is the beetle grain pests which have not at this stage been found but it is only a matter of time). As Smith (2013) has shown there is a wide range of insects that could potentially occur in mineralised deposits. Both Girling (1985) and Kenward (1999) have recorded mineralised human ectoparasites from a variety of deposits in York and London. This includes the human flea (Pulex irritans L.), the body louse (Pediculus humanus L.) and the pubic louse (Pthirus pubis L.). Descriptions and illustrations of these finds are included in the respective publications. As more work is undertaken on insect and plant remains from mineralised deposits additional taxa could be incorporated into the guide |
