Superworms Offer New Eco-Friendly Method for Cleaning Museum Skeletons
A study published on July 1 in PLOS One suggests that Zophobas morio, commonly known as superworms, could be utilized for the cleaning of animal skeletons in museums. The research, conducted by Niloofar Alaei Kakhki of the State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart and Morteza Monfared from Ferdowsi University, demonstrated the larvae's remarkable ability to consume flesh. Their experiments involved eight species, including a gray wolf and an alligator gar, revealing that 10 to 15 superworms per gram could clean skeletons within hours to days without harming the bones. This technique emerged when researchers provided chicken bones to the superworms. Additionally, Mike Rutherford from the Hunterian Museum has expressed interest in exploring this method further, noting its cost-effectiveness, reusability for six months, and safety compared to dermestid beetles.
Key facts
- Superworms (Zophobas morio) can clean animal skeletons efficiently and gently.
- Study published July 1 in PLOS One.
- Researchers tested superworms on eight animal species including alligator gar, gray wolf, Egyptian fruit bat, Eurasian eagle owl, and house mouse.
- Optimal ratio: 10-15 superworms per gram of carcass.
- Superworms are larvae of darkling beetles, native to South and Central America.
- They are economical and can be reused for up to six months.
- Superworms pose less escape risk than dermestid beetles.
- Researchers suggest superworms as a valuable new tool for museums and research labs.
- Accidental discovery: researchers fed leftover chicken bones to superworms and observed rapid cleaning.
- Mike Rutherford of Hunterian Museum & Art Gallery is intrigued and may try the method.
Entities
Artists
- Niloofar Alaei Kakhki
- Morteza Monfared
- Mike Rutherford
Institutions
- State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart
- Ferdowsi University of Mashhad
- Hunterian Museum & Art Gallery
- University of Glasgow
- PLOS One
Locations
- Germany
- Iran
- Scotland
- South America
- Central America