{
  "id": 176966,
  "title": "Flesh-Eating 'Superworms' Could Become a New Skeleton-Cleaning Crew for Museum and Research Specimens",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/05/flesh-eating-superworms-could-become-a-new-skeleton-cleaning-crew-for",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-05T14:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Smithsonian",
    "slug": "smithsonian",
    "url": "https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/flesh-eating-superworms-could-become-a-new-skeleton-cleaning-crew-for-museum-and-research-specimens-180989258/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Cleaning animal skeletons for museum collections typically involves labor-intensive processes like chemical treatments, boiling, or the use of dermestid beetles. However, a new study suggests a promising alternative: superworms, also known as Zophobas morio. These insects, native to South and Central America, have been found to swiftly and efficiently consume flesh from bones. Co-author Niloofar Alaei Kakhki notes that superworms are faster, more environmentally friendly, and easy to maintain compared to other methods. The researchers initially bred superworms to feed injured wild birds, but discovered they could also clean museum specimens. They tested various numbers of superworms on eight different animal species, finding that 10 to 15 larvae per gram of carcass resulted in effective and safe cleaning. Superworms primarily consume plants but were given a vegetable-based diet after each cleaning session. Their larvae can survive for several months, reducing the risk of escape compared to dermestid beetle colonies. Museum curator Mike Rutherford expresses interest in the new technique, particularly for delicate snake skeletons, while the study authors emphasize that superworms should complement existing methods rather than replace them.",
  "summary": "A new study hints that the critters would be a good alternative to traditional methods used to remove flesh from bones, including dermestid beetles, chemical treatments and boiling, which can cause damage or be time-consuming",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}