Wharf-borer a threat to stored archaeological timbers

Increased interest in marine archaeology has occured in recent years. Stored waterlogged archaeological timbers have been shown to be degraded by physical and microbial agents. In recent years a new threat has been highlighted, namely the wharf-borer Nacerdes melanura (L.). The objective of this paper is to outline studies of the morphology, biology, life-history and carbohydrate digestion by this beetle. These studies will allow improved preventative measures to be employed by conservators and archaeologists in the passive holding of archaeological timbers.