Insect damage to Aboriginal relics at burial and rock-art sites near Carnarvon in central Queensland

Abstract

Damage to Aboriginal artwork on rock faces in the Carnarvon region of central Queensland by species of mud‐nesting wasps, principally Sceliphron laetum (Smith), and by subterranean termites is described. A more serious conservation problem is the severe damage being caused by the termite Nasutitermes carnarvonensis (Hill) to human remains at many burial sites. Details reported here are the first confirmed account of this habit for an Australian termite. Infestation of burials may be related to nesting and water requirements of the termites. Insect species associated with the art sites are listed, and prospects for the prevention of damage by mud wasps and termites are discussed.