Dermestes Maculatus

Dermestes macelatus can be used to clean small skulls and skeletons without the bones disintegrating into their component parts. The Dermestes macelatus are easy to keep, but need regular monitoring and care. Because this species relies on a relatively high temperature for reproduction, undesirable spread in work and storage rooms is virtually impossible.

Husbandry:
The dermestes macelatus are kept in a terrarium made of solid glass (no silicone joints!) or polystyrene. Polystyrene transport terrariums are well suited. The larvae cannot climb up the smooth walls and the grid as a cover prevents the (extremely flightless) beetles from flying out. A temperature of 25-30°C is very important. A constant temperature can be ensured by means of a terrarium heater under the breeding container. Dry cat food has proven to be an excellent substrate in the terrarium. It is also very important for reproduction to provide the beetles and larvae with a constant supply of water. See the product AQUA-GEL for this.
For further instructions see the book "Knochenpräparation, Handbuch für Praktiker" by Peter Niederklopfer and Martin Troxler.

A breeding set consists of approx. 700 ml of dry cat food with hundreds of beetles and larvae in all stages and also eggs, which are deposited in the dry cat food.

Delivery only Switzerland and EU.