Dermestid beetles, also known as skin beetles or carpet beetles, are tiny insects that play a big role in cleaning bones. They're great at eating up tissue from dead animals, especially when it's fresh. Other creatures might shy away from decaying flesh, but dermestid beetles love it. They're not fans of stuff that's already rotten, though.

Starting off as larvae, these beetles munch on all sorts of dry stuff like dried food, animal skins, and even wood. Scientists have even spotted them feasting on human corpses during the later stages of decomposition when things have dried up.

For bone enthusiasts and pros, dermestid beetles are a top choice for getting rid of flesh from bones and skulls. They work much faster than other methods, like soaking bones in water. But here's the catch: dermestid beetles are living creatures, so they need some TLC. They need regular misting and feeding to keep them healthy and doing their job properly.

One interesting thing about these beetles is that they can fly when it gets warm, like over 80°F. But that also means you need to handle them carefully to keep them from flying away unexpectedly.

Overall, dermestid beetles are super helpful for cleaning bones. They love fresh stuff, work quickly, and are adaptable in different environments. With proper care, these little bugs can turn bones into clean, pristine specimens.