Jean-Bernard Huchet

The enigma of the dog mummy from Ancient Egypt and the origin of ‘Rhipicephalus sanguineus’

BackgroundTicks belonging to the Rhipicephalus sanguineus group are amongst the most important vectors of pathogenic microorganisms to dogs and humans. However, the taxonomy of this species group is still the subject of debate, especially because there is no type specimen or reliable morphological description for Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu stricto. Recently, a comprehensive morphological and genetic study on representative tick specimens from Europe, Africa, Americas, and Oceania, revealed the existence of at least four morphologically and genetically distinct species under the name ‘R. sanguineus’ infesting dogs from different countries.MethodsHerein, we examined morphologically tick specimens retrieved on a dog mummy from Ancient Egypt (ca. 1st century – 4th century A.D.). The dog mummy and associated ticks were found during an archaeological expedition conducted in El Deir.ResultsScanning electron micrographs allowed us to assess their identity as belonging to the R. sanguineus group. In addition on the basis of the scutal punctation pattern, spiracular plates, width of dorsal tail of spiracular plates relative to the adjacent festoon, female genital aperture, male adanal plates and accessory shields, these ticks were tentatively identified as Rhipicephalus sp. II (=temperate species).ConclusionsIt can be concluded that R. sanguineus group ticks have infested dogs living in the Mediterranean region since ancient times. This finding represents the oldest record of ticks on any animal species and adds a new piece in the complex puzzle regarding tick parasitism on dogs and humans and their role as vectors of pathogens.

Archaeoentomological study of a pre-Columbian funerary bundle (mortuary cave of Candelaria, Coahuila, Mexico)

Summary The archaeoentomological study of insect remains recovered from a pre-Columbian funerary bundle (10th–11th centuries ad) is presented and illustrated. Among this material, 12 species belonging to 10 families and four distinct orders have been identified. From the biological data of the different taxa, some hypotheses about the funerary practices of the hunter–gatherer semi nomads of Northern Mexico are proposed.

Using classifications to identify pathological and taphonomic modifications on ancient bones: Do “taphognomonic” criteria exist?

Pathological and taphonomic agents can sometimes produce bone modifications that seem indistinguishable from one another, even to an experienced eye. The aim of this study is to propose a classification system to identify modifications observed on skeletal elements from different environmental and chronological contexts, with similar morphologies but varied aetiologies. Two types of classifications, empirical and statistical, were constructed, tested by two independent observers and compared. This classification system aims to categorise, differentiate and identify pathological and taphonomic bone modifications. In this paper, we identify several taphonomic criteria and propose a new term, “taphognomonic”, to characterise criteria that are specific to particular taphonomic agents. The two classification methods complement each other by providing precise (empirical classification) and reliable (statistical classification) diagnostic criteria. Finally, criteria are highlighted to differentiate pseudo-pathological from pathological bone modifications, the ultimate goal being to reduce the risk of misdiagnosis.RésuméCertains agents pathologiques ou taphonomiques peuvent être à l’origine de modifications osseuses tellement similaires que même un observateur aguerri ne peut les distinguer. Le but de cette étude est de proposer un outil d’identification d’un ensemble de modifications osseuses de morphologies similaires mais d’étiologies différentes, observées sur des éléments provenant d’environnements et de périodes différents. Deux systèmes de classification, empirique et statistique, ont été construits, puis testés et comparés par deux observateurs indépendants. Ces systèmes classent, différencient et identifient desmodifications osseuses d’origine taphonomique ou pathologique. Cette étude a permis d’identifier plusieurs critères taphonomiques et de proposer un nouveau terme, « taphognomonique », pour caractériser des critères spécifiques à certains agents taphonomiques. Les deux types de classification sont complémentaires: ils apportent des critères diagnostiques à la fois précis (classification empirique) et fiables (classification statistique). Enfin, les critères permettant de différencier les modifications pseudopathologiques des modifications d’origine pathologique sont mis en avant, le but ultime étant de réduire le risque d’erreur diagnostique.