The dermestid beetle (Dermestes maculatus) as a biotic taphonomic agent: Further recommendations for maintaining a dermestid beetle colony for processing remains.

Abstract

The dermestid beetle (Dermestes maculatus) has become renowned in the laboratory as an aid to skeletonization of remains. However, little attention has been paid to the potential effects these insects can have on hard tissues and whether their traces may be mistaken for trauma or the effects of other taphonomic processes. Dermestids are known to bore pupal chambers in surrounding materials at the end of their larval stage. The potential effects of dermestid beetles were tested by a choice experiment based on ASTM D3345-17, examining the behavior of D. maculatus regarding expanded polystyrene, wood, and two types of bone. Specifically, this project tested (1) whether the beetles showed preference in the creation of pupation chambers for a particular material (of expanded polystyrene, wood, dry bone, or green bone), (2) whether material type had an impact on survivorship from the larval to adult stage, and (3) what traces, if any, dermestids leave on skeletal remains and the variation in form of those traces. Taphonomic impacts of D. maculatus larvae on two types of hard tissue were documented. Results suggest dermestid beetles preferentially bore pupal chambers in softer materials (expanded polystyrene > wood > dry bone > green bone), but preference is not absolute. Preference did not impact survivorship. Information on the "typical" form of dermestid trace on materials is presented, as an aid to identifying these features as resulting from taphonomic processes. Recommendations for colony setup to avoid trace formation are made.