Carrion beetles, belonging to the family Silphidae, are fascinating creatures that play a vital role in nature by helping decompose dead animals.
A common question that often arises about these beetles is whether they are capable of flying. The answer is yes, and we will explain the how and why in this article.
Do Carrion Beetles Fly?
Yes, carrion beetles can fly, albeit they might not be as agile in the air as some other insects.
The American Carrion Beetle (Necrophila americana), for example, has been observed in flight, with some even resembling bumblebees while doing so.
This ability to fly allows carrion beetles to cover larger distances in search of decaying matter to feed on or to lay their eggs.
These insects possess strong legs, tipped with spines and adapted for digging, which enables them to bury small carcasses efficiently for their larvae to feed on.
Carrion beetles, like the American Burying Beetle, also help maintain balance in ecosystems by reducing the spread of diseases associated with decaying organisms, and indirectly controlling the population of carrion-feeding maggots.
Carrion Beetles and Their Habitats
Family Silphidae
Carrion beetles belong to the family Silphidae. They are known for their distinctive habits of feeding on dead animals, or carrion. Here are some key features of these beetles:
- Flattened shape
- Black, with markings of red, orange, or yellow
- Shell-like forewings, wider at the end and narrower at the front
- Antennae with clubbed tips
Carrion beetles play a crucial role in the ecosystem, as they help decompose dead organisms and recycle nutrients.
They can often be found in or near compost bins, where they feed on decaying plants and animals1.
Genus Nicrophorus
The genus Nicrophorus, commonly known as burying beetles, is a part of the Silphidae family.
The most well-known species in this genus is the American Burying Beetle (Nicrophorus americanus)2. Here are some characteristics of the American Burying Beetle:
- Largest carrion beetle in North America
- Approximately 1.0 to 1.8 inches in length3
- Active during the daytime
- Attracted to the scent of carrion
The American Burying Beetle is unique for its behavior of burying carcasses underground to use as a food source for their larvae.
This action helps in the decomposition process and contributes to a healthier ecosystem.
Comparison Table: Family Silphidae vs. Genus Nicrophorus
| Feature | Silphidae | Nicrophorus |
|---|---|---|
| Habitat | Compost bins, decaying plants and animals | Near carcasses, burying them underground |
| Size/Length | Variable sizes | 1.0 to 1.8 inches |
| Markings/Color | Red, orange, or yellow markings | Typically black or brown with red markings |
| Feeding Behaviors | Scavenging on dead organisms | Burying dead organisms for larvae food source |
Types of Carrion Beetles
American Carrion Beetle
The American Carrion Beetle (Necrophila americana) is a member of the Silphidae family, primarily feeding on decaying plants and animals in both its adult and larval stages 1.
Adults have a yellow pronotum with a black spot in the middle, measuring approximately ½ to ¾ inches in length 2.
When flying, they resemble bumblebees. The larvae are black, teardrop-shaped grubs, resembling sowbugs.
Red-Breasted Carrion Beetle
Another carrion beetle is the Red-Breasted Carrion Beetle (Oiceoptoma thoracicum) which also belongs to the Silphidae family.
These beetles have a bright red thorax and a black elytra, typically measuring around 10-15 mm in length.
They can be found in various habitats, including woodland areas and gardens, feeding on carrion as well as other insects.
Comparison table between American Carrion Beetle and Red-Breasted Carrion Beetle:
| Feature | American Carrion Beetle | Red-Breasted Carrion Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Necrophila americana | Oiceoptoma thoracicum |
| Family | Silphidae | Silphidae |
| Size | ½ to ¾ inches | 10-15 mm |
| Color | Yellow pronotum, black spot | Red thorax, black elytra |
| Primary Feeding Sources | Decaying plants and animals | Carrion and insects |
Anatomy and Characteristics
Elytra and Pronotum
Carrion beetles have distinctive elytra – the hard, shell-like forewings. These are usually wider towards the end of the body and narrower towards the front 1.
In many species, their elytra are too short to cover all abdomen segments. The pronotum is the plate-like structure on the thorax, and in the American Carrion Beetle, it is yellow with a large black spot in the middle 2.
Antennae
Carrion beetles, like other beetles, possess antennae that help them sense their surroundings. Their antennae are typically not as long or elaborate as those of other beetle families 1.
Conclusion
In conclusion, carrion beetles, with their distinctive characteristics and behaviors, play a pivotal role in maintaining ecological balance by aiding in the decomposition of dead organisms and controlling the population of other carrion-feeding creatures.
The ability to fly is a significant aspect of carrion beetles, particularly species like the American Carrion Beetle, which has been observed resembling bumblebees in flight.
This capability enables them to traverse larger distances in search of decaying matter, thereby enhancing their role in nutrient recycling within ecosystems.
Footnotes
- https://extension.umaine.edu/home-and-garden-ipm/fact-sheets/common-name-listing/american-carrion-beetle/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6
- https://www.fws.gov/species/american-burying-beetle-nicrophorus-americanus ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
- https://education.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/carrion-beetles-burying-beetles ↩ ↩2 ↩3
3 Comments. Leave new
Our house is becoming overwhelmed by this bugs . Why is that ?
Our best guess since Carrion Beetles feed on small dead animals is that there might be something dead, like a rat, in the walls.
I saw a handful of these carrion beetles in Hertel WI on a dead mouse or chipmunk . there also was one or two of the burying beetles on the carcass with the orange and black body., and another type of bug. Sandy soil, high canopy forest with oaks, and birch. dry area next to a trailer with dry dirt under., and a lot of ants. Also I saw some fluorescent green beetles. there are a lot of cats around the area providing the little beetles with plenty of food. A lot of red daddy long legs, and bumblebees.