Abstract
Bones recovered in archaeological and forensic contexts often show modifications from biological, chemical, and physical factors. While trauma is well studied, insect-related damage is less understood and can be misidentified as pathology. Dermestids beetles (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) feed on dry remains and burrow pupation chambers in wood, foam, and occasionally in bones. These small circular depressions can penetrate the medullary cavity, forming honeycomb-like structures. This study presents the first direct evidence of dermestid pupae within bone chambers and their subsequent removal. Two cases are examined: (1) a 19th-century human skeleton exhumed from a shallow grave on Middle Island, Western Australia (WA), showing multifocal perforations; and (2) decomposing piglet remains in concealed environments in Western Australia, where pupae and chambers were recorded on day 110 post-placement. These findings enhance our understanding of dermestid activity in restricted environments and underscore the value of integrating forensic entomology with archaeology to interpret taphonomic processes.