Flesh-eating beetles lurk in the labs at the University of Greenwich’s Medway campus.

The 300 Dermestid beetles are the latest addition to the forensic science degree programme at the university.

They will be used to strip the flesh from animal bones used by students.

The beetle colony is expected to grow to more than 10,000 when they start breeding. They are being looked after at the Chatham Maritime site by forensic technician Charlie Pilbeam.

Linda Brownlow, forensic science programme leader, said: “Although the bones we use come from less macabre sources, these beetles have a real part to play in the natural decomposition of bodies. They will make an important contribution to both our research and teaching.”