Paleo-ecological evidence of insect remains from the areni-1 cave, Armenia

Abstract

Systematic archaeological excavations at Areni-1 cave in the Republic of Armenia provided rich archaeozoological remains, among of which a large collection of insects (class Insecta) was separated. The recorded 33 species belong at least to 3 Orders (Coleoptera, Diptera/Hymenoptera and Siphonaptera) which provide important information about the prevailing ecology during the periods of habitation and usage of the cave by Late Chalcolithic and Medieval inhabitants. The archaeological and zoological evidence could suggest a possible occurrence of other invertebrates or predators feeding on these classes. Finally, abundant archaeozoological remains refer that changes in insect fauna in the cave were insignificant parallel to the vertebrate and botanical fauna.