Superworms Prove a Greener, Faster Way to Clean Skeletons for Museums

Researchers in Iran and Germany tested using the larvae of Zophobas morio—the superworm—to clean animal skeletons for museum displays, finding they can efficiently remove flesh in a safe, affordable, and environmentally friendlier way than chemicals or dermestid beetles. The study in PLOS One identified an optimal worm-to-carcass ratio (about 10–15 grams of worms per 1 gram of carcass) and reported minimal damage to delicate bones while reducing pest risks.