Dermestid beetles are used by universities and museums to prepare skulls and other bones for display.  Boiling of skulls is messy, smelly and can damage delicate bone structures such as nasal membranes, loosen suture lines, as well as impart an oily film to the bone.  Boiling also shrinks skulls!  Preparation with flesh eating beetles avoids these pitfalls.  These beetles are easy to maintain and multiply, by following simple procedures. 

My colonies are 100% healthy; I absolutely guarantee no mites, fly larvae or other pests occurring in my colonies. If not purchasing from me, you will want to insure yourself that other sellers maintain the strict quality controls I maintain for my beetles, as these pests could eventually wipe out your colony.  I hear frequently from frantic buyers who have purchased from others, and have had pests introduced to their existing colonies.

I include detailed written instructions for start-up, maintenance and growth of your colony, and procedures to prepare/clean skulls.  These instructions include important points learned from years of raising and using dermestids. These tips will greatly assist you in avoiding costly beginner mistakes while establishing and growing your colony!  I will gladly correspond by email or phone to answer questions and offer startup support to those who purchase my colonies.  Lots of questions can and will arise when culturing beetles and cleaning skulls with dermestids.  Don't take chances with your trophy, consider what after-the-sale support is worth...? 

Your colony is shipped using Priority Mail, to insure rapid delivery. Normal delivery time is 4-5 days.  I notify buyers by email when I ship, and provide a confirmation number for your tracking on USPS.com.  The beetles/larvae are shipped in the sawdust-like medium they create (called “frass”) when they reduce specimen and bedding material. The frass has insulating properties, and helps insure the colony survives the trip in familiar surroundings, ready to immediately begin cleaning and reproducing. The frass also contains beetle eggs, which will hatch within days. If you are purchasing the 5000+ colony, I ship these via 2-day EXPRESS MAIL; all prices INCLUDE shipping costs!

All shipments are marked “Perishable” and “No Freeze”. I have learned and employ several important points regarding successful packing and shipping of dermestids, and have had no problems shipping colonies from Alaska, as all shipments travel via airmail to the postal hub nearest you.  Frequently, you will receive your colony as quickly (and in winter, actually perhaps safer) this way than if it traveled in an unheated truck from much nearer!  In winter or if it is cold, I also include heat packs to insure they arrive safely. A delivery confirmation shipping number will be emailed to buyers upon shipping, to allow tracking your shipment via USPS.COM.  

 
My beetles and service have been specifically recommended by professional taxidermists on Taxidermy.net.  I have many references and repeat customers who will confirm customer satisfaction is the primary ethic behind my business. 

Please purchase with confidence!  Thank you for the opportunity to meet your needs!

5000+ beetle/larvae colony - $350
*Please contact me directly as to 5K availability

1000+ beetle/larvae colony - $85

300+ beetle/larvae colony - $40

Payment and Shipping
	Payment can be made via Paypal (Paypal.com), utilizing my email address bonesandbugs@ak.net in the send money field.  You may click on the link to the left to access Paypal.
Be sure to provide an accurate shipping address, and an email address, so I can notify you upon shipping.	If you prefer to send a check or money order, this may be sent to:  KBBT, 300 Seabreeze Circle, Kodiak AK 99615
All prices include shipping via USPS Priority Mail!  Immediate delivery is available; via Express Mail, for additional cost. Shipments are made no later than 3-4 days following receipt of payment.  Special shipping arrangements can generally be accommodated with prior notification.  *Disclaimer: Between October 1 and February 15, I  reserve the right to limit non-repeat customers to a maximum of 2000 beetles, in order to service more customers.  Between these dates, please contact me by email prior to ordering more than 2000  to discuss availability.

For FAQ’s regarding maintaining a dermestid beetle, click here