Biodeterioration caused by insects in furniture of the Museo de La Plata.

In Argentina, the main insects causing biodeterioration in furniture of heritage value are beetles (Ptinidae, Coleoptera). The most frequent species in wood in service are Anobium punctatum and Xyletinus brasiliensis. The damage corresponds to internal galleries and semicircular holes on the surface, which cause weakening of the support. Cockroaches (Blattodea) and spiders (Araneae) produce fecal stains, spider webs contribute to the accumulation of dirt and the remains of the aforementioned fauna represent a substrate for chemical contamination and the development of other biodeteriorating organisms. Specific identification, knowledge of the biology and detection of signs of the actions of these insects are essential for the implementation of conservation measures to stop or minimize deterioration, ensuring the protection of wood and other materials. In this contribution, practical illustrative examples of biodeterioration caused by insects in furniture of heritage value of the Museum of La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina, are presented.