So I posted awhile back that I had received my flesh eating taxidermy beetles for getting down to the bare bones that I use to make much of my jewelry. You may recall the details....The corpse must first be skinned, then the meat is dried out to the consistency of beef jerky. When cleaning skulls the eyeballs must be pulled out which is actually REALLY difficult to do. Not just because of the smell, but also because they are muscled in the sockets extra tight. A metal hook is your best friend. Next, the brain matter must be pulled out through the eye sockets. All this needs doing so that the interior meat doesn't rot and wreak. It is too much matter for the beetles to get through fast enough.
Now that I have been caring for them for about a month, they have at least doubled their little colony and have become quite cozy in their 75 degree regulated aquarium. A thermostat is essential: if their living quarters get to be above 80 degrees, they start to grow wings. I really don't think flying, flesh eating beetles would make the best pets. They need a steady supply of meat and the occasional wet paper towel to drink from.
Here they are in all there glory munching on half of a fox leg. Not sure what the bones will look like, but they may inspire some new pieces. I'll let you know when they are full...... |
