Dermestid Beetles

[arachknight]

Just wondering if anyone is currently keeping dermestid beetles en masse for purposes of taxidermy? Also does anyone have any techniques for keeping them long term? I've had them for 1-2 years but suddenly the colony just dies out? Inbreeding? Diet doesn't change, high protein, low fat. dog food. Any suggestions?

Joel

 

[Dynastes]

Try feeding them meat, the taxidermy ones don't really like dog food.

 

[arachknight]

Try feeding them meat, the taxidermy ones don't really like dog food.

I've done that as well but the stench is too great there must be another alternative, anyone?

 

[Dynastes]

Dried meat like salami doesn't really smell. Hot dogs might work.

 

[arachknight]

Dried meat like salami doesn't really smell. Hot dogs might work.

Have you tried this with any success? Hot dogs... mmmmm....

 

[gloryforixseal]

I thought I had fed all my mealies to my leopard gecko, but apparently I didnt and I keep them in a kritter keeper and so far I have found 2 mealworm beetles in my room One in my shower yesterday and one on my bed just now before I was about to go to sleep. Can anyone think of a way that they would be escaping?

 

[dermestid]

I don't keep them for taxidermy but i keep them.Feed them hotdogs and sometimes the ocasoinal jerky it seems to boost them quick and non smelly!

 

[Philibugman]

I feed them fish flakes, dead crickets, dead mealworms or any dead insects. Meat from any vertebrate should be dried to avoid mold (killer numero uno) or bad odors. I dehydrate using the freezer for long periods...months.

If you ever go to a chain type pet shop look inside their crickets containers...you will find dermestids, and they are free.

I don't keep them for taxidermy but i keep them.Feed them hotdogs and sometimes the ocasoinal jerky it seems to boost them quick and non smelly!