Try DNA barcoding the contents … works well for dead caterpillars and pupal case remains (see attached).
From: Entomological Collections Network Listserve [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Michael Wall
Sent: Tuesday, February 04, 2014 12:30 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: mystery insect? object
Lynn,
I found something like this is Arizona once and dissected it to find what I thought might be a Pepsis pupae. Scroll to the bottom of this page and look at the four-paned image.
Michael
From: Entomological Collections Network Listserve [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Lynn Kimsey
Sent: Tuesday, February 04, 2014 9:15 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: mystery insect? object
Even the intact ones are hollow but with dried material on the inside. Others look hatched and have the end popped off, much like fly puparia. Yet others have small round parasitoid-like exit holes.
Lynn
From: David Notton [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Tuesday, February 04, 2014 9:11 AM
To: Lynn Kimsey
Subject: RE: mystery insect? object
What’s inside?
David
David Notton
From: Entomological Collections Network Listserve [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Lynn Kimsey
Sent: 04 February 2014 17:08
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: mystery insect? object
Folks,
We recently turned up these relatively large objects in the Algodones Dunes in southeastern California. They look insect in origin to me but they are very large and frankly we’re stumped. Any ideas?
Lynn Kimsey