Use of Alphitobius diaperinus as an alternative method of osteotechnics

Abstract

This study aimed to develop an alternative biological osteotechnical method using lesser mealworms (Alphitobius diaperinus), a scavenging insect found in poultry production systems. Ten small to medium-sized animal cadavers of different species and two isolated bone pieces were used. After the soft tissues were removed, the bones were accommodated with the insects until they were thoroughly cleaned. Next, the pieces were evaluated, bleached, dried, and the skeletons assembled. The use of lesser mealworms in the biological preparation of skeletons has shown very promising results since this insect is easy to acquire, maintain, and handle; it does not emit unpleasant odors into the environment; it provides complete cleaning of the skeletons, reaching places that are difficult to access. In addition, they present great agility in cleaning the carcasses, dispensing the previous fixation of the soft tissues to prevent putrefaction or the appearance of microorganisms, such as fungal colonies. Keywords: maceration; beetles; skeletons