Preparing skeletal specimens for display or forensic studies requires meticulous cleaning to remove all soft tissue. A new study suggests that the larvae of Zophobas morio, commonly known as superworms, could offer a practical alternative to dermestid beetles.

The article in PLoS One demonstrates that superworms can efficiently clean various skeletons without damaging the bones. Unlike beetles, which require complex containment and pose infestation risks, superworm larvae only last 10-12 weeks and are easier to manage.

Fatemah Rastekar of Ferdowsi University in Iran tested superworms on diverse specimens including an Egyptian rosette, a house mouse, and a gray wolf. Their cleaning efficiency was comparable to that of beetles, but with the added benefit of reduced risk of escape due to their shorter life stages.

While superworms may not completely replace dermestid beetles in all cases, they offer a viable and less risky alternative for museum curators and forensic scientists looking to clean skeletal remains efficiently.