[NHCOLL-L:4224] RE: maceration question

[Paula Hildebrandt]

Without careful observation, you could lose the connective tissue you want 
to save, depending on the speed of the colony.  If this were my task, I 
would rough out the main muscle masses and soak the leg in ethanol for six 
weeks, which makes the soft tissue brittle.  I would remove the unwanted 
muscle by hand with forceps (not as tedious as it sounds) and leave what is 
needed.  If the tissue isn't easily removed, soak for another few 
weeks.  Air dry when complete.

I've used this method on juvenile carnivore skulls which would 
disarticulate in a colony or a maceration jar.  I can remove only what I 
wish.  Unless you are in a hurry, this is a nice, conservative way to go.

At 02:06 PM 3/3/2009, you wrote:
>Dermestid beetles are probably your best bet. If you don't leave the 
>carcass in the colony for too long you end up with a nicely articulated 
>skeleton.