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<p>The use of Coleoptera (beetles) in osteotechnical preparations is widely recognized for their practicality, efficiency, and sustainability. The aim of the present study is to describe a reproducible protocol for preparing skeletal material using <i>Dermestes maculatus</i>. The protocol was tested on four black vultures (<i>Coragyps atratus</i>) and two tegu lizards (<i>Salvator merianae</i>). Following mechanical maceration using surgical tools, specimens were immersed in 70% ethanol, dehydrated in a forced-air oven, and placed in a dermestaria with 40&#xa0;g of dermestid beetles at all life stages. Skeletons were retrieved after complete soft-tissue removal, confirmed by visual inspection, with intact articular structures. Maceration required an average of 32 days and resulted in clean, fully articulated bones with preserved anatomical detail. Biological maceration preserved articular structures in both avian and reptilian skeletons. Instant glue and wires were used to reinforce joints, but the assembling was made easy due to the maintenance of multiple intact articulations. All six skeletons were successfully assembled and are currently displayed at the Museum of Anatomy of the State University of Londrina. Biological maceration with <i>Dermestes maculatus</i> is an effective, reproducible, and cost-efficient method for anatomical skeletal preparation.</p>

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Preparation of vulture and tegu skeletons by biological maceration using dermestid beetles

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年7月29日

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  • Camila De Oliveira Porto,
  • Marna Eliana Sakalem,
  • Daniela Bortoli Becegatto,
  • Eduardo Viana Gasque,
  • Célia Cristina Fornaziero,
  • Leandro Luís Martins

摘要

The use of Coleoptera (beetles) in osteotechnical preparations is widely recognized for their practicality, efficiency, and sustainability. The aim of the present study is to describe a reproducible protocol for preparing skeletal material using Dermestes maculatus. The protocol was tested on four black vultures (Coragyps atratus) and two tegu lizards (Salvator merianae). Following mechanical maceration using surgical tools, specimens were immersed in 70% ethanol, dehydrated in a forced-air oven, and placed in a dermestaria with 40 g of dermestid beetles at all life stages. Skeletons were retrieved after complete soft-tissue removal, confirmed by visual inspection, with intact articular structures. Maceration required an average of 32 days and resulted in clean, fully articulated bones with preserved anatomical detail. Biological maceration preserved articular structures in both avian and reptilian skeletons. Instant glue and wires were used to reinforce joints, but the assembling was made easy due to the maintenance of multiple intact articulations. All six skeletons were successfully assembled and are currently displayed at the Museum of Anatomy of the State University of Londrina. Biological maceration with Dermestes maculatus is an effective, reproducible, and cost-efficient method for anatomical skeletal preparation.