About EntoArch
At EntoArch, we offer freelance consultancy related to archaeoentomology. We can identify the insect remains from your excavations and offer advice on the environmental interpretations based on the identified insect remains. With 10 years of experience in identifying Coleoptera remains and expanding knowledge on Diptera, Arachnidae, and other groups, we are one of the few freelance companies in Europe to offer these services.
Whether you need help with processing complete soil samples, identifying insect remains, or advice about your archaeoentomological records, we can be of service!
All information can be found under Our Services.
Our services
Our services include sediment sample preparation, insect identifications, and environmental interpretations. Based on the agreed number of hours, a price will be calculated. An ideal sample for archaeoentomologal studies is based on at least one liter, but ideally five liters of sediment. Sieved sediment, of which clay particles have been removed, is divided into >2mm, >1mm, and 1-0.2 mm fractions for optimal results. We can process either dried sediment or wet sediment, which is sent to our academic contact in either Vilnius, Lithuania, or Prague, Czech Republic.
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Sample preparation
Sediment is divided into three size fractions of >2, >1, and 1- 0.2 mm. For wet sediment, the flotation technique is used to isolate insect chitin from the sediment matrix. This process takes between 2-4 hours per sample. For unwashed sediment (with clay sediments), double the amount of time is needed to clean the samples.
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Insect identifications
Insect remains are picked from the sediment matrix under a binocular microscope and glued on cards, The remains are photographed, and identified by comparing with specimens from the museum collections in Kaunas, Lithuania, and in Prague, Czechia. Depending on the state of the insect remains and the diversity of individuals, this process requires one week per sample. Currently, we specialize in Coleoptera, but will soon be able to assist with Diptera and other groups.
Environmental interpretations
We can also assist with environmental reconstructions based on the identified insect assemblage, whether related to landscape archaeology, reconstruction of the contents of, e.g., a storage room, or funerary archaeology.
Addres #1
Laboratory of Quaternary Research
State Scientific Research Institute Nature Research Centre
Akademijos St. 2, 08412 Vilnius, LT
Alternative address for sample delivery
Attn. Nick Schafstall
[address on request]
Praha - Dolní Počernice
19012, Czech Republic
