Funerary archaeoentomology methods and practice: a systematic literature review

Abstract Insect remains recovered from ancient or historical graves provide data that can be used for studying past populations and their environment. A growing interest in archaeoentomology of mortuary contexts requires an accessible accounting of the current methods and available resources to promote quality outcomes for an inherently destructive process. This review of 76 unique results synthesized the methods and analyses used in existing funerary archaeoentomology research. Software used to identify, collate, track duplicates, and analyze search results included Publish or Perish and Covidence. Our search protocol yielded 1,242 original titles that were each screened for relevance and then included or excluded by 2 reviewers. Results support our hypothesis that the collection of funerary archaeoentomology material is broadly consistent with sampling techniques used by forensic entomologists. Researchers were found to collect directly from remains, hand-sort various biological grave materials, typify insect trace impressions on human bone, incorporate experimental approaches, and use dry or wet sieving when appropriate. Flexibility allowed context or material type to dictate the specific techniques or methods employed. Most papers clearly reported species richness, which was found to contain natural history observations pertinent to insect species’ native or historical ranges. As predicted, beetles (Coleoptera) and fly puparia (Diptera) were the most frequently reported entomofaunal groups. We identified specific titles that report detailed methods, which future researchers may leverage for guidance. Clear reporting on abundance data, identification criteria, and use of analytical tools are areas that require development.