Superworms as Safer, Faster Skeletal Cleaners for Museums
A team led by Fatemeh Rastekar tested the larvae of the common pet worm Zophobas morio (superworms) as an alternative to dermestid beetles for cleaning skeletal remains. They found an optimal ratio of 10–15 grams of larvae per gram of specimen, which minimized cleaning time without bone damage and offered easier containment since the larvae don’t pupate or escape in crowded conditions. The process involved initial flesh removal, feeding larvae fruit scraps, regular container rotation, and avoiding harsh bleach, with bones finally rinsed and lightly varnished for display. The results suggest superworms are a practical, adaptable option for museum and research skeletal preparation, performing comparably to beetles across tested specimens.
