Owady niszczące zabytkowe książki : chrząszcze drążące starodruki i dawne rękopisy

The author describes the occurrence, morphology, biology, ecological role and economic importance of the drugstore beetle (Stegobium paniceum L., Anobiidae, Coleoptera) and the white marked spider beetle (Ptinus fur L., Ptinidae, Coleoptera), which destroy old books and manuscripts. He also analyses the types of damage suffered by historical monuments and archival collections as well as conditions conducive for such devastation. The discussed issues are illustrated by enclosed photographs. The author proposes methods of prophylactic prevention of the damage and methods of combating the insects.