What insects (aside from dermestids) are good at bone/skull cleaning?

[Neonpossum]

Hello all! Kind of weird question I know, but I'm a taxidermist and I process animal skulls. I've had a dermestid colony in the past but found them difficult to keep the colony going, plus I was quite afraid they'd escape and have a munch on my mounts!

I've been suggested two different species for bone cleaning: Orange head roaches (E. Prosticus) and Dairy Cow Isopods (P. Laevis). I've kept orange heads before but I've never heard of them eating meat from bone, but I only had a small amount and fed them dog/cat food for their protein.

The isopods are super attractive and I love their colours, no idea if they are good though. For reference I'd be removing most of the meat and animal matter from the skulls, leaving the rest to the bugs.

Has anyone fed dead animals to these species before, do they leave the skeleton as people have told me?

Thanks!

 

[DomGom TheFather]

Keep with the dermestids.
If you are having trouble keeping a colony going it is either mites or you aren't separating them.
Give them something to borrow and pupate in and when you notice it being filled remove it to start a breeding colony. The pupa are often eaten in working colonies. I suspect the eggs are even more susceptible being mostly on and near the food source. The numbers can get crazy, fast.
Watch for parasitic mites. Once you have a problem you have to nuke and start over.

 

[Neonpossum]

Thanks for the reply! I'll look into getting them again then, I didn't actually know you were supposed to separate them (assuming the pupa from the adults?)

 

[Two short legs]

Ants,I'm still reading up on them,but some do make good cleaners

 

[BepopCola]

Ants,I'm still reading up on them,but some do make good cleaners

People around here put cattle skulls near fire ant mounds, and they do do a pretty good job.

 

[Poonjab]

Not going the insect route. Would a power washer clean things up quick by chance?