Could be sarcophagid puparium. Difficult to say unless the last segment can be seen. Either sarcophagid or calliphorid flies would be good choices.
Louis N. Sorkin, B.C.E. Entomologist, Arachnologist, Myriapodologist Entomophagy Research [cid:image001.png@01D235DF.2C8D90E0] Division of Invertebrate Zoology|American Museum of Natural History Central Park West at 79th Street|New York, New York 10024-5192 sor...@amnh.org<mailto:sor...@amnh.org> 212-769-5613 voice | 212-769-5277 fax | 917-953-0094 local pager http://www.amnh.org/our-research/staff-directory/louis-n.-sorkin The New York Entomological Society, Inc. www.nyentsoc.org<http://www.nyentsoc.org/> n...@amnh.org<mailto:n...@amnh.org> [cid:image001.png@01D110A0.A110F570] From: pestlist-ow...@museumpests.net [mailto:pestlist-ow...@museumpests.net] On Behalf Of Tony Irwin Sent: Wednesday, February 15, 2017 6:16 AM To: pestlist@museumpests.net Subject: Re: [pestlist] Identification I think the most likely answer is a calliphorid puparium. A bluebottle's sense of smell will guide it to potential food sources, even bricked-up cats. Tony Irwin Dr A.G.Irwin 47 The Avenues Norwich Norfolk NR2 3PH England mobile: +44(0)7880707834 phone: +44(0)1603 453524 On 15 February 2017 at 10:42, BLAKE, CHELSEA E. (Student) <chelsea.e.bl...@durham.ac.uk<mailto:chelsea.e.bl...@durham.ac.uk>> wrote: Hi all, I have recently taken this off a desiccated cat found in a mansion wall. I have found evidence of Black Carpet Beetle larvae elsewhere on the cat, but have been unable to identify this sample. It is somewhat conical with a domed top, smooth on the outside but with banded ridges on the interior. Thanks for any help! Chelsea