FrançaisCICRP – Centre Interrégional de Conservation et Restauration du Patrimoine
[CICRP - Interregional Centre for Heritage Conservation and Restoration]
Creation of a
"Cultural Heritage Insect Pests" database
in collaboration with the Montpellier office of INRA
Today, the recognition of insect species by means of morphological identification requires complex knowledge, a complexity that increases as the insect advances through the various phases in its development (usually egg–nymph–adult or egg–larva–pupa–adult). This identification process very often necessitates the participation of experts such as entomologists.
The use of molecular characteristics allows for reliable identification at all phases of insect development (eggs, larvae, nymphs, etc.) as well as the detection of cryptic species (two or more distinct species classified as a single species).
Anthrenus verbasci, at different stages in its development,
from left to right: eggs, larvae and adult – Photographs: F. Fohrer.
Anthrenus verbasci has the ability to digest keratin and thus mainly attacks objects consisting of feathers or fur as well as insect collections. This species also favours starchy materials such as grains.
For these reasons the CICRP, in collaboration with the Montpellier office of INRA and partner laboratories, under the terms of a three-year partnership agreement signed in 2008, is currently developing a molecular biology research programme with the aim of simplifying the identification of heritage insect pests, ultimately so as to provide non-specialists with a quick and reliable identification tool.
This project will culminate in the creation of a "Cultural Heritage Insect Pests" database at the CICRP. This database will facilitate the identification of insects and will provide related information, including the specific dangers posed for heritage collections by insect pests and methods to combat infestations.
The insect pests most often encountered at cultural heritage sites will be included in this database, particularly those posing the greatest danger for collections (wood-, carrion- and keratin-eating insects, cockroaches, silver fish, etc.).
Recent publications about studied insects
FOHRER F. et MARTINEZ M., "Sur la présence en France d'un remarquable Dermestidae : Sefrania bleusei Pic, 1899 (Coleoptera)", [= On the presence in France of a remarkable Dermestidae: Sefrania bleusei Pic, 1899 (Coleoptera)], will be published in L'Entomologiste.
The authors report for the first time, the presence in France of the Coleoptera Demestidae Sefrania bleusei. Elements are given on its morphology, its geographic distribution and its biology. The female, hitherto unknown, is also briefly described. This species could represent a threat to museum collections (including naturalized animals, insects collection, ethnographic collections...).
MARTINEZ M. et FOHRER F., "Les insectes xylophages : qui sont-ils ? que mangent-ils ?", in PHM-Revue horticole, n° 508, 2008, p. 11-13.
You may 
download this document in French in PDF (575 ko).
FOHRER F., BASLE K. et DANIEL F., "Problématique de l'infestation des colles de rentoilage des peintures de chevalet par le Stegobium paniceum (L.)", in Support tracé, n° 6, 2006, p. 78-85.
COCQUEMPOT, C. et VALLADARES L., "Datation des déprédations de termites et autres insectes xylophages de l'habitat et du bois d'oeuvre", in Le Cahier technique de l'INRA, vol. 67, 2009, p. 31-42. (Approche méthodologique intéressante pour mieux connaître la date du début d’une infestation d’insectes xylophages et notamment les vrillettes).
LACLOS E. (de) et BÜCHE B., "La vrillette sans peine (Coleoptera Anobiidae)", paru en quatre notes successives in L'entomologiste : Tome 64, numéro 1, janvier-février 2008, p. 3-10 ; Tome 64, numéro 4, juillet-août 2008, p. 217-220 ; Tome 65, numéro 1, janvier-février 2009, p. 13-20 ; Tome 65, numéro 4, juillet-août 2009, p. 207-213. (Pour tous ceux qui veulent en connaître un peu plus sur la famille des Anobiidae (vrillettes, insectes xylophage) avec un axe fort sur sa nouvelle classification).
Page last updated on 3 November 2009.
CICRP – Centre Interrégional de Conservation et Restauration du Patrimoine
Groupement d’Intérêt Public à Caractère Culturel
21, rue Guibal, F-13003 Marseille FRANCE
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