Research Paper
Ultrastructural Study of an Insect Recovered from a Joseon-era Tomb
Authors: Chang Seok Oh, Do-Seon Lim, Sori Min & Dong Hoon Shin
Year: 2026, Volume: 17, Page/Article: 79-85, DOI: https://doi.org/10.47509/AA.2026.v17i.05
Abstract
In Korea, research on Joseon-period mummies has provided valuable biological insights into people from centuries ago. However, no reports have yet documented the recovery of ancient insect remains from these mummies. This study is significant as the first report on ancient Dermestes in South Korea. During our investigation of a 15th to 17th century Joseon mummy, we discovered beetle remains (genus Dermestes) embedded within the fabric wrapping the mummified body. Our macroscopic and electron microscopic analyses reveal near-perfect preservation of the beetle’s head, thorax, and abdomen. This report highlights the exceptional morphological preservation of insect remains and explores the potential for such specimens to serve as subjects for future biological research.
Keywords: Joseon period; Mummy; Electron Microscope; Genus Dermestes