Preservation Methods

Maceration

Maceration is a method that relies on bacteria to clean the bones by soaking them in water. Before starting the process, as much meat as possible is stripped from the specimen as part of a step that is usually refered to as "skinning". The bones are then submerged in water for several months, allowing bacteria to break down the remaining flesh. This process is particularly useful for degreasing, as the water helps release oils trapped within the bones.

Once maceration is complete, the bones often appear very clean, but for further whitening or removal of residual debris from the long soaking, a small amount of hydrogen peroxide can be applied. Acetone can also be used for additional degreasing if necessary, ensuring that the bones are clean and oil-free. 

Dermestid Beetles

Dermestid beetles are another valuable method I often use for cleaning bones, particularly for smaller skeletons or skulls and for preserving delicate bone structures. These beetles feed on the flesh of the specimen without damaging the bones, allowing you to maintain the overall skeletal structure, which can be especially important when handling delicate or complex arrangements. However, unlike maceration, where even the smallest connections between bones are broken down and need to be reconstructed, dermestid-cleaned specimens can preserve those connections if the skeleton is removed from the beetle colony at the appropriate time.
One drawback of using beetles is that they do not degrease the bones. This means bones will often retain a darker or yellowish tint, requiring an extended soak in acetone afterward to achieve proper degreasing.

Skin Preservation (Taxidermy)

For small mammals like mice, I carefully separate the skin from the body and use borax powder to preserve it. The skin is mounted onto a small clay model of the animal before drying. Afterward, I sew the cuts I made during skinning. As the skin dries in place, it holds the shape I’ve created, resulting in a preserved specimen.

Insect and Arachnid Preservation

Insects and arachnids, such as beetles or spiders, are preserved by pinning and drying. Often, I will spread out their wings or legs and pin them in place to dry in their natural or an artistic pose. In some cases, their exoskeleton molts can be carefully repositioned and preserved as well. Pinning requires precise positioning to maintain their delicate structure while the specimen dries. This technique, rooted in the fascinating world of entomology, is often used for educational or display purposes, as it beautifully showcases the intricate details and unique features of these remarkable creatures.

Wet Specimen

Wet specimens are preserved in a solution, usually I will place the specimen in isopropyl alcohol, to maintain their organic structure over time. Though I have done fewer of these, they are a common preservation method for soft tissue specimens. 

Typically, I place the specimen into tightly sealed containers, such as lab tubes or jars, ensuring they are securely closed to prevent evaporation. Since isopropyl alcohol is volatile and can evaporate over time, a proper seal is crucial to preserving the specimen for the long term.