3 Things to Consider When Setting Up Your First Dermestid Beetle Colony
Setting up your first dermestid beetle colony can be exciting, especially if you’re passionate about taxidermy, bone cleaning, or specimen preparation. These beetles are indispensable for tasks that require delicate cleaning. Yet, keeping a dermestid beetle colony involves more than simply acquiring beetles and leaving them to work. A successful colony setup requires proper planning. So, before you buy beetle for cleaning skulls, here are three important aspects you need to bear in mind.
Select the Right Container
While dermestid beetles are relatively small and low-maintenance creatures, they need a specific environment to thrive. An ideal container should allow for ventilation but must also be secure enough to prevent beetles from escaping. Many beginners make the mistake of choosing a container that doesn’t have a secure lid or lacks proper airflow, leading to stunted colony growth or infestations.
When selecting your container, consider materials like plastic or glass. Plastic storage bins are popular because they’re cost-effective, easy to modify, and provide adequate space. Just be sure to drill small ventilation holes near the top of the container to prevent humidity buildup, as too much moisture can harm the beetles. Secure these holes with fine mesh to prevent your beetles from wandering off. Aquariums with mesh tops work well for those wanting a sturdier setup, especially if you want to keep the colony as a long-term venture. Aquariums also provide easy visibility, which can be helpful for observing colony behavior and spotting potential issues early on.
Maintain Proper Temperature
Dermestid beetles are resilient but do best in a controlled environment where temperature and humidity levels are managed. The ideal temperature range for dermestid beetles is between 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C). Colder temperatures can slow their activity and reproduction rate, which might not be ideal if you want a colony ready for regular use. At the same time, very high temperatures can stress the beetles and lead to a rapid drop in colony health.
Maintaining humidity is equally crucial. Too much humidity encourages mold growth, which can harm the beetles and their larvae, whereas an environment that’s too dry can cause the beetles to dry out and die. Aim for a relative humidity level of about 50-60%. You can control humidity by placing a damp sponge or paper towel in a corner of the container, checking frequently to avoid over-wetting the environment. Striking a balance between temperature and humidity will help ensure your colony remains active and healthy.
Feeding and Nutritional Needs
While dermestid beetles can survive on minimal food, maintaining a robust, healthy colony requires consistent feeding practices. In nature, these beetles are scavengers, primarily consuming dried flesh. For your colony, raw meat scraps, such as chicken or fish, are good food options, but you need to balance the amount. Overfeeding can lead to mold and odor issues, while underfeeding might cause beetles to cannibalize their young or fail to reproduce.
Begin by offering small amounts of meat, observing how much the colony consumes within a day or two, and adjust accordingly. If you’re using the colony for cleaning bones, providing these bones for them to clean will also help meet their nutritional needs. Remove any uneaten food promptly to prevent mold growth and unpleasant odors. In addition to raw meat, supplement the colony’s diet occasionally with dry dog food or fish flakes. These contain essential proteins and fats that can improve colony health and boost reproductive rates.
The Bottom Line
Setting up a dermestid beetle colony shouldn’t be difficult if approached correctly. If you follow these instructions, your colony will be fully established and ready to take on whatever cleaning tasks you have lined up.