Provincial

Royal Saskatchewan Museum Features Dermestid Beetles for Skeleton Cleaning

The Royal Saskatchewan Museum is showcasing its dermestid beetles, known for their role in cleaning animal skeletons. This display will remain in the museum's lobby until November 1st. Dermestid beetles are used by museums internationally for similar purposes in both exhibitions and research.

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The Royal Saskatchewan Museum is currently displaying its collection of dermestid beetles, which are integral to the process of cleaning animal skeletons for educational and research purposes. These insects, commonly known as flesh-eating beetles, are utilized by museums across the globe to meticulously remove flesh from animal remains, leaving behind clean skeletons for public viewing and scientific study. This display has been set up in the museum's lobby and will be available for visitors to observe until November 1st, coinciding with the Halloween season, when interest in such themes often peaks.

Dermestid beetles play a critical role in the preservation of natural history specimens, as they consume the soft tissues of deceased animals, allowing for proper curation and display. Their significance extends beyond mere cleanup; they assist researchers in various fields, including biology, anthropology, and forensics, by providing skeletons that can be used for study and educational outreach. The Royal Saskatchewan Museum aims to educate the public about these unique creatures and their importance in museum practices by offering this engaging display.

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Meet this museum’s flesh-eating clean-up crew
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