The Benefit of Dermestid Beetles

The dermestid beetle (Dermestes maculatus), or hide beetle, especially in its larval stage, feeds on fresh meat. Their feeding habits make them useful in hobbies such as taxidermy.

Taxidermy

In taxidermy, European mountings, or bone mountings, have become popular. When preparing a European mounting, the meat must be cleaned from the bones.

How They Help

Museums, universities and taxidermists prefer using the beetle larvae to clean skulls because they do a thorough job of cleaning. And the beetle larvae do not leave the tool marks that taxidermists tools can.

Other Benefits

Another benefit is that with no traces of meat remaining, and no emulsified fats in the bones, the trophy will not develop the unpleasant dead order. Using the beetle larvae means that all cartilage is removed along with the flesh, leaving the bones spotless.

Beetle Care

Dermestid beetles should be raised in a glass or plastic tank or jar, as they will eat their way out of anything else. Feed them fresh dried meat of any kind, as they will not eat hardened or spoiled meat.

Time Frames

A colony takes approximately three days to clean a deer skull. The cleaning takes less time for smaller animals like rabbits, and more for larger animals like bears.

References

• Kodiak Bones & Bugs Taxidermy
• Dermestid Beetle Fact Sheet
• Hide beetle (Dermestes maculatus)