Carrion Beetle: All You Need to Know for Nature Enthusiasts

Carrion beetles are fascinating insects known for their unique ecological role in consuming dead and decaying animals. These beetles, belonging to the family Silphidae, play an essential part in recycling nutrients and speeding up the decomposition process in nature.

There is a variety of carrion beetles, with the American burying beetle (Nicrophorus americanus) being the largest in North America. This species reaches [1.0 to 1.8 inches] (https://www.fws.gov/species/american-burying-beetle-nicrophorus-americanus) in length and displays a distinctive orange-red on shiny black coloration. Another common species is the American carrion beetle (Necrophila americana), known for its yellow pronotum with a black spot in the middle, and an adult length of about ½ to ¾ inch.

Carrion beetles serve as nature’s “clean-up crew” by consuming the remains of deceased animals. Additionally, they can help control the population of other insects, such as fly maggots, which also thrive on decomposing organisms. Overall, carrion beetles hold a significant place in the ecosystem and should be appreciated for their important role.

Carrion Beetle Overview

Family Silphidae

Carrion beetles belong to the family Silphidae and are known for their unique behavior of feeding on decaying organic matter, such as dead animals. Notable examples of this family include the American burying beetle (Nicrophorus americanus) and the European carrion beetle.

Key Characteristics

• Size: The size of carrion beetles in this family can vary, with the American burying beetle reaching 1.0 to 1.8 inches (25 to 35 centimeters) in length.
• Appearance: Carrion beetles have a distinct and recognizable appearance, often characterized by vibrant colors, such as bright orange or red, on their black bodies.
• Behavior: They are known to bury carcasses they find and lay their eggs near the food source, which helps the larvae survive and grow.

Distribution and Habitat

Carrion beetles are distributed across various continents and can be found in diverse habitats where decaying organic matter is present. For instance, the American burying beetle was once widespread across North America, but its populations have declined, and it is now listed as endangered in the U.S. European carrion beetles are native to Europe but have also been found in North America over time.

Species	Distribution	Habitat
American Burying Beetle (Nicrophorus americanus)	North America	Found in areas with sufficient decaying matter
European Carrion Beetle	Europe and North America	Found in various habitats where decaying matter is present

Biology and Behavior

Life Cycle

Carrion beetles go through a complete metamorphosis consisting of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Female beetles typically lay their eggs near a suitable food source, such as a carcass or rotting fruit. The larvae hatch from the eggs and begin feeding on the food source alongside any competing maggots present.

The carrion beetle larvae are teardrop-shaped, black grubs that somewhat resemble sowbugs¹. After consuming enough food, the larvae fall to the ground and burrow into the soil where they pupate². The adult carrion beetles emerge from the pupae and continue to forage for food, contributing to the ecosystem as scavengers.

Diet and Carrion Utilization

Adult carrion beetles primarily feed on:

• Carcasses of small animals ( e.g., rodents, birds)
• Insects (especially fly maggots)
• Rotting fruit and vegetation

They play a crucial role in the ecosystem by helping to recycle nutrients and decompose animal carcasses³. In addition to their diet, some carrion beetle species aid in burying carcasses, such as the American burying beetle, which can measure up to 1.8 inches in length.

Here’s a comparison table of two well-known carrion beetle species:

Species	Size	Coloration	Diet and Behavior
American Burying Beetle	1.0 to 1.8 in	Black and orange markings	Buries carcasses/subterranean; feeds on fly larvae, carrion
American Carrion Beetle	0.5 to 0.75 in	Yellow and black markings	Dwells under large carcasses; feeds on fly maggots, carrion1

Nocturnal Activity

Carrion beetles are primarily nocturnal creatures. They scavenge for food in the evening, guided by the sense of smell from their antennae. They prefer to remain in damp, dark habitats like forests, using their strong sense of smell to locate food sources⁴.

Here are some notable nocturnal habits of carrion beetles:

• Attracted to lights, which can sometimes lead them into human habitats
• Rely on olfactory cues from decomposing matter and carcasses
• More active during warmer months, when food sources are more abundant

Interaction with Ecosystem

Decomposers and Ecological Role

Carrion beetles play a vital role in ecosystems as decomposers. They break down dead animals, returning nutrients to the soil. Some key carrion beetles include:

• Necrodes
• Silpha
• Dendroxena
• Necrophila

These beetles also help control insect populations because their larvae feed on maggots of flies that compete with beetle larvae.

Interactions with Other Species

Carrion beetles have interesting interactions with other species in their ecosystems. For instance, they have a symbiotic relationship with mites¹. The mites hitch a ride on the beetles to find new food sources, while in return, the mites help control fly populations by consuming their eggs and larvae.

In some cases, these beetles also participate in plant pollination. The Liceoptoma carrion beetles have been observed pollinating yucca plants², which evolved a special mechanism to attract the beetles. The yucca flowers emit a scent that mimics the smell of rotting flesh, attracting beetles which crawl into the flowers, inadvertently pollinating them.

Here’s a comparison of two carrion beetles:

Species	Common Name	Size	Coloration	Ecological Role
Necrodes	Carrion beetle	12-22 mm	Black with red markings	Decomposers, helping in nutrient cycling
Dendroxena	Silken fungus beetle	8-13 mm	Brown with a silky appearance	Decompose fungi, contribute to decay

Pros and cons of carrion beetles in ecosystems:

Pros:

• Decompose dead animals, recycling nutrients
• Control insect populations, reducing competition for resources
• Can be pollinators for some plant species

Cons:

• Can be potentially harmful to economically important insects (e.g., bumblebees) if they come in contact

In conclusion, the carrion beetles serve important functions in ecosystems, acting as decomposers, controlling insect populations, and in some cases, assisting in plant pollination. By understanding their interactions and ecological roles, we can appreciate these often-overlooked arthropods.

Types and Variation

Burying Beetles

Burying beetles, also known as Nicrophorus, are a prominent group of carrion beetles. They are characterized by:

• A distinct color pattern: black with red, orange, or yellow markings
• Unique elytra: wider towards the end, narrower towards the front

Some notable species include:

• Nicrophorus americanus (American burying beetle)
• Nicrophorus vespilloides
• Nicrophorus humator
• Nicrophorus investigator

Sexton Beetles

Sexton beetles belong to the genus Nicrophorus and are similar to burying beetles. They can be identified through their:

• Antennae: with a club-like structure at the tips
• Abdomen: exposed 1 to 3 segments due to short elytra

An example of a sexton beetle species is Nicrophorus vespilloides.

Red-Breasted Carrion Beetle

The red-breasted carrion beetle, scientifically known as Oiceoptoma thoracicum, has unique features:

• A red thorax: distinguishing it from other carrion beetles
• Fondness for fungi: unlike burying and sexton beetles

Feature	Burying Beetles	Sexton Beetles	Red-Breasted Carrion Beetle
Color	Black, red, orange, yellow markings	Similar to burying beetles	Black with red thorax
Elytra	Wider at the end, narrower at the front	Short, exposing the abdomen tip	Standard
Diet	Carrion, maggots	Carrion, maggots	Carrion, maggots, fungi

These carrion beetles play a vital role in ecosystems by decomposing dead animals and controlling insect populations, with each group having unique characteristics suited to their ecological niches.

Conservation Efforts and Threats

Endangered Species and Conservation Measures

Carrion beetles are part of two subfamilies, Nicrophorinae and Silphinae, and are important for recycling nutrients in woodlands. They feed on small mammals, breaking them down and returning nutrients to the ecosystem. However, some species are facing decline, mainly due to habitat loss and destruction. Entomologists are actively working on conservation measures to protect these vital insects.

For instance, Nicrophorus investigator is one of the rare endangered species in the UK. The threats these beetles face include:

• Habitat destruction
• Light pollution
• Fragmented populations

Conservation measures taken for carrion beetles include:

• Restoration of suitable habitats
• Limiting light pollution
• Encouraging landowners to create beetle-friendly environments

Reintroduction Efforts

Reintroduction efforts play a significant role in the conservation of endangered carrion beetles such as the American burying beetle. These large, predatory beetles have a relatively short lifespan, making them ideal candidates for reintroduction programs.

These programs usually involve the following stages:

1. Captive breeding of the beetles
2. Release of the beetles into suitable habitats
3. Monitoring the released beetles’ populations

Reintroducing the beetles helps establish stable populations and supports overall woodland health.

Footnotes

1. https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/american-carrion-beetle ↩ ↩² ↩³

2. https://extension.umaine.edu/home-and-garden-ipm/fact-sheets/common-name-listing/american-carrion-beetle/ ↩ ↩²

3. https://education.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/carrion-beetles-burying-beetles ↩

4. https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/carrion-beetles-burying-beetles ↩

Reader Emails

Over the years, our website, whatsthatbug.com has received hundreds of letters and some interesting images asking us about these insects. Scroll down to have a look at some of them.

Letter 1 – American Carrion Beetles attracted to smelly mushroom

 

Subject: Bug on mushrrom
Location: Southern Manitoba Canada
August 18, 2012 8:13 pm
What’s the bugs name, and what’s the mushroom name (if possible)? There was a bad odour associated with the bug and mushroom – if that helps with the identification. Thanks.
Signature: Gerry Kramer

Hi Gerry,
These are American Carrion Beetles, Necrophila americana.  According to BugGuide:  “Adults consume fly larvae (maggots) at carrion, as well as some carrion” and “Found on carrion and decaying fungi. Larvae eat carrion, larvae of flies and other carrion beetles. Eggs are laid singly on or near carrion. They prefer larger carrion, Milne (5) states “rat-sized or larger”. Larvae hatch in a few days, feed in or under carcass, and pupate in a nearby soil cell. Larvae may prefer dried skin, bits of flesh after maggots have departed.”  We are not certain if the odor was produced by the fungus rotting or if the mushroom had a bad odor itself.  Though most folks associate flowers with having a pleasant fragrance, there are plants like the Corpse Flower, Amorphophallus titanum, that have a foul odor which attracts flies and other insects that feed on decay.  The same may be true of mushrooms.  The Corpse Flower has evolved so that the foul odor attracts insects that will pollinate it ensuring that it will produce offspring.  The Huntington Gardens in San Marino, CA is a great place to view the Corpse Flower when it blooms.  We do not recognize the mushroom, but perhaps a mycologist will be able to provide that information.

 

Letter 2 – American Carrion Beetles

 

Snake Eater
Sun, Jul 5, 2009 at 6:44 AM
I found these guys in my yard. They were feasting on the carcass of a red bellied water snake, but I have also seen them eating a copperhead carcass earlier this year. I live in Raleigh, North Carolina. My yard is in the outer limits of 30 year old subdivision near a lake, several creeks, with an undeveloped heavy woodland/wetland area of over 2000 acres adjoining the property. These photos were taken on July 4, 2009 at around 8:30 pm. They have been devouring this snake carcass for about 5 days now. They appear to be about 1 inch in length. They are black with white paterns on their neck. They have a broad back with black wings and are capable of flight. They seem to have a small black tail extending beyond their wings
I have lived in this area for 35 years and I have never seen these insects prior to this year. At first I thought they had white skulls on their backs, but now with the detail of photos I can see it is a different creepy pattern. So, what are these things?
Bugging Out
Raleigh, NC

Dear Bugging Out,
Your visitors are American Carrion Beetles, Necrophila americana.  BugGuide indicates that they eat maggots and carrion and states that they are:  ” Found on carrion and decaying fungi. Larvae eat carrion, larvae of flies and other carrion beetles. Eggs are laid singly on or near carrion. They prefer larger carrion, Milne (4)states “rat-sized or larger”. Larvae hatch in a few days, feed in or under carcass, and pupate in a nearby soil cell. Larvae may prefer dried skin, bits of flesh after maggots have departed. Adults overwinter. ”  Over the years, we have gotten numerous reports of them being associated with the corpses of snakes, but we have also gotten photos of them with the carcasses of mammals and molluscs, and even photos of them feeding on fungus.

Letter 3 – American Carrion Beetle

 

black and yellow bugs
August 13, 2009
I saw these guys munching on some strange mushroom-like growth that appeared on the edge of the woods. The fungi and the bugs seemed to have appeared overnight. The bugs were quick but did not leave the mushroom even when I harassed them with my close contact. What are they?
Linda
southcentral Kentucky

Dear Linda,
These are American Carrion Beetles, Necrophila americana.  Both adults and larvae consume carrion and the maggots that are attracted to the rotting flesh, but we have received other reports associating them with mushrooms.

Letter 4 – American Carrion Beetle

 

A strange one to me
May 15, 2010
Hello Daniel,
Never saw one like this before. Three of them were beside and beneath a small snake that had gotten killed by the lawnmower a few days ago. Two appeared to be mateing I moved the little snake with a stick to get a better photo and they scattered in three different directions. They look to have wings but did not attempt to fly instead they wanted to hid beneath the grass. They all were very shy, First glance I thought they were bumble bees from their size and color. But after a closer look they clearly are not. I hope you can help with this one as I don’t have a clue. Thank you and have a wonderful day.
Richard
North Middle Tennessee

American Carrion Beetle
Hi Daniel,
I sent a request for an ID along with two images this afternoon…I have since identified it from “Bug Guide” and your website as an “American Carrion Beetle” I should have did some searching before submitting my request. Thanks again and I hope this e-mail gets to you before you go to any trouble with my request. Have a wonderful day.
Richard

Hi Richard,
We do not consider answering and posting letters to be trouble, and we are most pleased to hear about readers like you who use our resources as well as those on BugGuide to identify creatures they are curious about.  Your letter and photos of the American Carrion Beetle, Necrophila americana, are a wonderful addition to our site archives.

Letter 5 – American Carrion Beetle

 

Subject: What’s this bug?
Location: MD
October 31, 2013 3:48 am
I saw this bug near my garden just two days ago (29 Oct 13). He was walking on the ground.
Signature: Sheryl

Hi Sheryl,
American Carrion Beetles like the one in your photo are often found in association with small dead animals or rotting fungus.

Thanks!!! What a great site.  Thanks for your Labor of Love.
Sheryl

Letter 6 – American Carrion Beetle

 

Subject: Black Beetle, Pale Yellow Thorax
Location: Hendersonville, NC
April 25, 2014 11:29 am
My wife shot this photo with her Droid. She says it was about the diameter of a penny, or maybe a nickel.
It was taken in Hendersonville, NC on 04/25/14.
Any idea what it is?
Thanks.
Signature: Mike Wright

Our Automated Response
Thank you for submitting your identification request.
Please understand that we have a very small staff that does this as a labor of love. We cannot answer all submissions (not by a long shot). But we’ll do the best we can!

Hi,
Thanks, but I found it. American carrion beetle, Necrophila americana.
— Mike

Hi Mike,
We haven’t received any images of American Carrion Beetles lately, so we are posting your submission.

Cool.
Glad y’all are doing this sort of thing.
— Mike

Letter 7 – American Carrion Beetle

 

Subject: odd beetle with white collar
Location: Lapeer, MI
August 3, 2014 5:29 pm
Can you tell me what type of beetle this is? It is about the size of a dime. I found it in my kitchen sink and it could have come in with some fresh cut flowers I brought last night. It reminded me of the hermit flower beetle, except for the white “collar”. Is it safe to release back in to my garden? Thanks for any information you can give me!
Signature: Pat

Dear Pat,
This is an American Carrion Beetle, Necrophila americana, and according to BugGuide:  “Adults consume fly larvae (maggots) at carrion, as well as some carrion.”  Perhaps there is a dead animal nearby, though they also feed on fungus including mushrooms.

Thanks for responding so quickly!  I had not seen a beetle like that around my property before and was curious.  I set it free and it immediately disappeared under some vegetation.  All kinds of “new to me insects” around my yard this year!
Pat