Abstract

A fossil insect assemblage was investigated from.Rats Nest cave in Grotto mountain near Banff, Alberta. Ten families of beetles (Coleoptera) were identified along with flies (Diptera) and ants (Hymenoptera). Analysis of the insect remains indicated a damp, dung-filled microenvironment within the cave as well as the open gravelly areas around the cave entrance. The assemblage was dated to approximately 2000 B.P. which is also reflected by the floral and faunal remains as they are similar to the ecology of the region today. A brief discussion of this method of environmental reconstruction will be presented as well as its potential application to archaeological investigations.