Subject: Burying beetle Anchorage,AK
Location: Anchorage, AK
August 20, 2017 4:16 am
I’ve seen more of these this year than any year in the house I’m in now. I have also seen more dead voles in my yard, and more live ones running around than usual. I don’t think my ID is incorrect, but feel free to use my photo and correct me if I’m wrong.
Thanks!
Signature: MsRobin
Dear MsRobin,
This is indeed a Burying Beetle in the genus Nicrophorus. The Banded Sexton Beetle, Nicrophorus investigator, which is pictured on BugGuide, is a strong possibility for a species identification. The dead voles you have found in your yard is likely a contributing factor in observing more Burying Beetles this year. The mystery would be “What is causing the voles to die?”
Found one…dead in the greenhouse…which is vented. Kalifonsky Beach Road between Kenai and Soldotna, Alaska 2100 06/21/2022. Dunno when it died though. Neighborhood dogs killed lots of baby bunnies which may be why the beetle is out and about. Was out and about.