Which Bones Are Viable for Taxidermy?

Which Bones Are Viable for Taxidermy?

Mounted figures and skulls of birds, small mammals, and large game represent the art of taxidermy, or the preparing, stuffing, and mounting of skins of animals. Records of the practice date back to the 16th century. The art form has survived into the modern day to...
What Is Skull Cleaning?

What Is Skull Cleaning?

Skull cleaning is a process in which the skull of a hunted or trapped animal, or one that has expired due to natural causes, is prepared for display. It is an important step in taxidermy. However, it can be time-consuming, messy, and unpleasant, depending on the...

Why Use Dermestid Beetles

Taxidermists have a few options when it comes to preserving the bones of animal specimens. A few can be rather harsh, such as chemical treatments (i.e., tanning) and boiling, but skeletonization can be achieved in an easier, more natural way—with dermestid beetles. In...
How Many Dermestid Beetles Do I Need for Skull Cleaning?

How Many Dermestid Beetles Do I Need for Skull Cleaning?

Flesh-eating beetles, or dermestids, are harmless beetles that eat flesh off animal carcasses and human remains. The larvae of dermestid beetles feed continuously until all that’s left is bone. This process is known as skeletonization and is often used by...