Flesh-Eating Beetles Help Scientists at Museum of Natural History

New York, NY - Behind the scenes at the American Museum of Natural History, a unique team is at work: a colony of dermestid beetles. These small, flesh-eating insects play a crucial role in preparing skeletons for scientific study. The beetles, often referred to as 'dermestids' or 'skin beetles,' are housed in a controlled environment, ensuring their work is both efficient and contained.

The process is simple but effective. Animal carcasses, donated from zoos or other institutions, are carefully placed in the beetle colony. The beetles then consume the soft tissues, including muscle, tendons, and ligaments, leaving behind clean, articulated bones. This natural method is preferred over chemical processes, which can damage delicate bone structures.

'The beetles are incredibly efficient,' explains Dr. Emily Carter, a museum entomologist. 'They can clean a skeleton in a matter of days, depending on the size of the animal.' The resulting skeletons are then used for a variety of research purposes, including comparative anatomy, evolutionary studies, and species identification. The 'Bug Colony' is a vital part of the museum's research infrastructure, providing invaluable resources for scientists around the world. The beetles' work helps unlock secrets of the animal kingdom, one bone at a time.