I have done preserved specimens with dermestids. It works quite well
and prevents further damage to the bones..
First, soak the body in a tub for two days with slow running water. I
use a sink with overflow outlet and let the tap fun at very low flow.
After the specimen has been rinsed you soak it in a dilute solution of
ammonia. This freshens the flesh and makes it appetizing to the
beetles.
After drying a bit, put the specimen in the beetles. They will eat
the flesh but slowly. It works best if they have no other specimens
in the box.
Richard
Quoting Ruth Carden <[log in to unmask]>:
> Hi Adam (et al.),
>
> I have found with animals preserved in formalin and ethylene glycol
> (separately), that the tissue is very rubbery (preserved) and the bones
> normally are a green or black colour (varying shades).... the bones are more
> or less fine (in some cases thin and fragile - small mammals), but I
> normally just spend hours scraping and cutting carefully, the flesh away
> from the bones after an initial soak in plain old tap water. It's time
> intensive especially when dealing with small mammals - binocular microscope
> is essential, as is time !
>
> Have fun !
>
> All the best - Ruth
>
>
>
>
> 2009/1/20 adam heinrich <[log in to unmask]>
>
>> Hi,
>> I was wondering if anyone has experience cleaning specimens that may be
>> preserved in a mixture of ethylene glycol, phenol, formalin, and water. I
>> was wondering if this preservation could affect bone condition? Also, if
>> the specimens are boiled down to remove the soft tissue, could boiling the
>> preserved specimen release toxic fumes? Or would burial be a better
>> method? A well ventilated lab is a given. Thanks, Adam Heinrich
>>
>>
>>
>> "Old crow of wisdom did say ...people of Asa land, it's only just begun..."
>> Bathory
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>> Windows Liveā¢: Keep your life in sync. Check it
>> out.<http://windowslive.com/explore?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_t1_allup_explore_012009>
>>
>
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