Types of Carrion Beetles: A Friendly Guide to Nature’s Cleanup Crew

Carrion beetles are fascinating insects known for their unique feeding habits and ecological role in decomposition. They belong to the family Silphidae and are characterized by their distinctive body shape and coloration, typically featuring black with markings of red, orange, or yellow Carrion Beetles (Burying Beetles). As you delve into the world of carrion beetles, you’ll learn about the various types and how they contribute to the decomposition process.

One such example is the American Carrion Beetle (Necrophila americana), an insect that helps break down decomposing plants and animals. They are known for their yellow pronotum with a large black spot in the middle and can often be mistaken for bumblebees in flight American Carrion Beetle. By exploring the interesting behavior, life cycle, and ecology of carrion beetles, you’ll gain a greater appreciation for their role in our natural world.

Understanding Carrion Beetles

Carrion beetles are a fascinating group of insects belonging to the family Silphidae. As members of the order Coleoptera, they are relatives of the more widely known beetles, like ladybugs and fireflies. Carrion beetles are unique arthropods that play a vital role in breaking down dead animals and returning nutrients to the earth.

You might be wondering what makes these beetles different from others. Some key features of carrion beetles include:

• Their flattened bodies, usually black, often with markings of red, orange, or yellow
• Distinctive shell-like forewings, called elytra, which are wider at the rear and narrower toward the front
• In many species, elytra that are too short to cover the final 1 to 3 segments of the abdomen tip
• Antennae that are often club-shaped or branched, aiding in their ability to locate carrion

There is a wide range of carrion beetles, with different species having their own survival strategies. For example, some species, like the American Carrion Beetle, feed on fly maggots in addition to consuming animal carcasses.

As carrion beetles break down dead animals for food, they help speed up the decomposition process and reduce the spread of diseases. Your appreciation for these arthropods will likely grow as you learn more about the essential roles they play in our ecosystems.

Family Silphidae

The Family Silphidae consists of carrion beetles that play a vital role as scavengers in North America and around the globe. Belonging to the order Coleoptera, these beetles are known for feeding on dead plants and animals. They also contribute to the decomposition process in both their adult and larval stages.

Silphids vary in size and appearance, but they generally have a flattened body, often in black with markings in red, orange, or yellow. Their antennae are usually clubbed, and their shell-like forewings are uniquely shaped, making them easily identifiable among other beetle species (Missouri Department of Conservation).

Family Silphidae is further divided into four subfamilies:

• Nicrophorinae (burying beetles)
• Silphinae (carrion beetles)
• Ptomaphagus (cave-dwelling beetles)
• Diamesinae

Some features of the Silphidae family are:

• Medium to large-sized beetles
• Flat bodies
• Clubbed antennae
• Distinctive elytra shape
• Live in various habitats such as forests, grasslands, and even caves

An example of a Silphid member is the American Carrion Beetle (Necrophila americana), often found in compost bins where it feeds on decaying plants, animals, and fungi (University of Maine Extension).

When comparing Silphidae species, it’s essential to pay attention to their habitat, feeding habits, and appearance. You can differentiate them by the type of food they eat, as some species feed only on specific carcasses or exclusively on fungi.

In summary, the Family Silphidae is an ecologically essential group of beetles in the order Coleoptera, which play a crucial role in the decomposition process. Their unique appearance and feeding habits set them apart from other beetle families and ensure they continue their important work in North America and beyond.

Major Species

There are several types of carrion beetles that play important roles in nature. Let’s focus on a few of them.

The Burying Beetle (Nicrophorus spp.) is an interesting species. One example is the American Burying Beetle (Nicrophorus americanus). It is known for its role in decomposing dead animals by burying them underground. The closely related Nicrophorus vespilloides and Nicrophorus investigator also exhibit similar behaviors. These beetles are known for their striking black and orange markings, which help differentiate them from other carrion beetles.

The American Carrion Beetle (Necrophila americana) is another key player in decomposition. With a yellow pronotum bearing a black central spot, these insects may appear like bumblebees when flying. As the name suggests, American Carrion Beetles primarily feed on carrion but their larvae consume maggots as well.

Another group of carrion beetles are the Sexton Beetles (Necrodes spp., Silpha americana, and Necrophila spp.). They help break down dead organisms and can be easily identified by their bright color patterns.

Here’s a comparison table to highlight key features of these major species:

By understanding these carrion beetles, you can appreciate their role in nature and the decomposition process.

Physical Characteristics

Carrion beetles exhibit interesting physical features that are unique to their species. As their name suggests, they are attracted to and feed on decaying organic matter, primarily dead animals. Let’s take a closer look at their physical characteristics.

Color: Many carrion beetles are predominantly black in color. Some species also have markings of red, orange, or yellow that enhance their appearance and may help in species identification.

Elytra: The shell-like forewings, or elytra, have a distinctive shape. They tend to be wider toward the end of the body and narrower toward the front. This design provides protection for the delicate wings underneath.

Wings: Carrion beetles are capable flyers. Although their wings are concealed beneath the elytra when not in use, they can extend them for flight when necessary.

Antennae: A key feature in carrion beetles is their antennae. They are often club-shaped and used to detect scents from decaying matter. This helps them locate suitable food sources.

Appearance: These beetles vary in size, but usually, their adult length is around ½ to ¾ inch. Their overall appearance can be quite striking, especially when you consider their unique coloration and elytra designs.

Now that you have an idea of the physical characteristics of carrion beetles, you can better understand the form and function of these fascinating insects. Remember that their appearance not only adds beauty to the natural world but also plays a vital role in the decomposition process.

Habitat and Distribution

Carrion beetles inhabit a variety of environments. Some common habitats include:

• Forests
• Grasslands
• Caves

They are often nocturnal, meaning they are most active during the night. These beetles are present in several regions, including North America.

Caves provide suitable conditions for carrion beetles, like consistent temperature and humidity. Here’s a quick comparison of the habitats:

In conclusion, carrion beetles display adaptability in various habitats and geographic regions. Their preference for nocturnal activities and resources in forests, grasslands, and caves make them a fascinating subject of study.

Diet and Feeding

Carrion beetles play an essential role in breaking down dead organisms. They primarily feed on:

• Vertebrate carcasses
• Animal carcasses
• Decaying organic matter
• Rotting fruit
• Decaying plant matter

As you can see, their diet is quite versatile, which helps them survive in various habitats.

The American Carrion Beetle, for example, has a unique approach to feeding. Adult beetles not only eat carcasses but also consume fly maggots. Their larvae, on the other hand, feed on both the primary food source (dead animals, rotting fruit) and other larvae present.

In some carrion beetle species, there’s a fascinating symbiotic relationship with mites. The mites hitch a ride on the beetle to new food sources, while in return, the mites eat fly eggs and maggots that compete with the beetle larvae for food.

Here’s a quick comparison table of adult and larvae diets:

Remember to respect the important role these beetles play in breaking down dead organisms and maintaining ecological balance.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

Carrion beetles exhibit a unique lifecycle, which includes the following stages: eggs, larvae, pupation, and adults.

Eggs are typically laid near a food source, which can be decaying organic matter. This ensures that once the larvae hatch, they can immediately start feeding. While they go through several instars, they consume a significant amount of decomposing material to fuel their growth.

As they develop, carrion beetle larvae eventually pupate. This stage marks the transition from a larval form to adult. During pupation, they remain inactive and encased within a protective shell, a vital process for their holometabolous development.

Adult carrion beetles emerge from pupation, boasting a set of wings and an impressive exoskeleton. These newly formed adults are now ready to mate and continue the cycle. They often exhibit a fascinating reproductive behavior, wherein they cooperatively care for their offspring.

To summarize, the life cycle of carrion beetles consists of:

• Eggs laid near food source
• Larvae feed on decaying matter
• Pupation to undergo metamorphosis
• Adult beetles ready to mate

Throughout each stage of their life, carrion beetles play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems by recycling nutrients and controlling populations of other insects. Remember, they serve as nature’s clean-up crew, aiding in decomposition and nutrient recycling. So, next time you come across these intriguing creatures in your garden or backyard, appreciate their role, and let them carry on with their important work.

Interactions with Other Species

Carrion beetles have various relationships with other species in their environment. One intriguing interaction is their symbiotic relationship with mites. These tiny creatures hitch a ride on the beetles to reach new food sources, while they help the beetles by eating the eggs and freshly hatched maggots of competing flies¹.

In their quest for food, carrion beetles encounter many other species like maggots, flies, and snails. For example, the American carrion beetle preys on fly maggots, contributing to the ecosystem’s balance².

Some carrion beetles resemble bumblebees, giving them a level of protection. The black-and-yellow coloring of these beetles can deter predators, such as birds, that might mistake them for stinging insects³.

However, carrion beetles can also be considered pests, especially when they invade homes or gardens. Their presence might signal a dead animal nearby, like a mouse or small bird, attracting these beetles to feed on the carcass⁴.

To sum up their interactions:

• Symbiotic relationship with mites
• Predation of fly maggots
• Mimicry of bumblebees for protection
• Pest behavior in homes and gardens due to nearby carcasses

Role in the Environment

Carrion beetles play a vital role in the environment. They are decomposers and scavengers, feeding on dead animals and decaying organic matter.

When these beetles find a carcass, they help break it down by consuming the flesh. This process plays an essential role in recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. Carrion beetles also consume maggots, which are common in decaying carcasses, controlling their population and preventing the spread of harmful bacteria.

Some carrion beetles, like the American Carrion Beetle, have a more specific feeding habit. Adults eat fly maggots and some carrion, while their larvae feed on the decaying flesh and skin beneath a carcass.

These beetles perform a valuable service to the environment by cleaning up dead animal matter. By doing this, they help reduce the spread of diseases and the risk of attracting other pests, like rodents or harmful insects.

Carrion beetles are also an important part of the food chain. They serve as a food source for various predators, such as birds and small mammals, contributing to the balance of the ecosystem.

Examples of Carrion Beetles:

• American Carrion Beetle
• Burying Beetles
• Margined Carrion Beetle

Characteristics of Carrion Beetles:

• Ability to find dead animals quickly
• Consumption of decaying flesh and maggots
• Contribution to nutrient recycling in the ecosystem
• Serving as a food source for predators
• Adaptation to various habitats

In conclusion, carrion beetles are an essential part of the ecosystem. They function as decomposers and scavengers, cleaning up the environment and replenishing nutrients back into the system.

Conservation Status

Carrion beetles play an important role in the ecosystem by recycling nutrients from dead organisms. However, their conservation status varies depending on the species. Some species might be more vulnerable to habitat loss and other environmental threats, while others might be more resilient.

For example, the American Carrion Beetle is a widespread species in the United States, and its population seems stable. It’s not considered an endangered species. On the other hand, some burying beetles, which also fall under the carrion beetle category, have been listed as endangered or threatened due to declines in their populations.

In some cases, conservation measures have been implemented to protect endangered carrion beetles. Habitat preservation and monitoring of their populations are critical components of these efforts. Additionally, promoting awareness about the ecological importance of carrion beetles can help raise support for their conservation.

As a friendly reminder, you can do your part to ensure the conservation of carrion beetles:

• Maintain a healthy ecosystem in your area by not using harmful pesticides that can affect their populations.
• Educate others about the important role of carrion beetles in breaking down dead organisms and recycling nutrients in the ecosystem.
• Support local conservation initiatives that aim to protect habitats and monitor beetle populations.

Carrion Beetles in Forensics

Carrion beetles play a significant role in forensic investigations. They are often found on dead bodies, allowing forensic entomologists to estimate the post-mortem interval (time since death). Some commonly found species belong to the Staphilinidae: Silphinae group. They can help estimate the time of death alongside other insects, like fly maggots.

Fly maggots and carrion beetles can arrive at a dead body within minutes, depending on factors such as environmental conditions and location. This is particularly useful for forensic entomologists in determining the post-mortem interval. For example:

• Fly maggots are usually the first insects to arrive on a corpse.
• Carrion beetles, such as Silphids, can be found later in the decomposition process.

Due to their morphological similarities, differentiating between carrion beetle species can be challenging. However, DNA-based technologies offer a potential identification strategy, allowing forensic scientists to be more accurate.

Comparing Fly Maggots and Carrion Beetles in Forensics:

By understanding the characteristics and patterns of these insects, you can better appreciate their importance in forensic investigations. Remember to always consider the context and be cautious when interpreting insect evidence in forensic cases.

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 mate and eat Dead Toad

Beetles devouring toad
Location:  Western North Carolina
July 30, 2010 9:55 pm
I found this congregation of beetles around and on a deceased toad, as far as I know they’re some sort of carrion beetle. I’d never seen such a gathering before!
Dakota

Hi Dakota,
Your identification is correct.  These are American Carrion Beetles, Necrophila americana (see BugGuide) and it appears as though there are several mating pairs in your photo.  According to BugGuide:  “Adults consume fly larvae (maggots) at carrion, as well as some carrion.  Life Cycle Diurnal, not found at lights (but see comments here). 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.“

Letter 2 – American Carrion Beetles: Eating and Mating

Cluster of mating black and yellow bugs in Delaware
Mon, May 11, 2009 at 1:55 PM
I stumbled upon this mass of mating beetles (maybe they aren’t beetles) inside and on top of a rotting snake at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge in Delaware. Just curious as to what they are since I’ve never seen them before.
D. Fiero
Delaware

Dear D.,
While it is difficult for us to ascertain from your photograph that mating is occurring, it is very obvious that a group of American Carrion Beetles, Necrophila americana, is feasting on the dead snake.  We will trust your powers of observation in the matter. Insects might be the original multi-taskers.  While multi-tasking might not be terribly efficient for humans in the computer age as evidenced by the documented numbers of automobile accidents that have occurred during cellular telephone calls and texting, trying to compete more than one task at a time is here to stay.  Getting back to the American Carrion Beetles, the rotting snake will also provide a food source for larval beetles, so mating while feeding would be a logical behavior.  According to BugGuide, the American Carrion Beetle’s habitat is “marshy and forested areas.”  BugGuide also indicates:  “Adults consume fly larvae (maggots) at carrion, as well as some carrion,” which would be a good way to ensure that there is more food for the developing beetle larvae.

Letter 3 – Carrion Beetle

Interesting little character.
Sorry if you’ve identified this bug before, but it is difficult to root through your webpage. It’s sort of like being told to look up the word psychology in the dictionary to learn how to spell it if you don’t know what it starts with. Anyway, if you could identify it, I’d appreciate it, thanks.
D

Hi D,
Navigating through our archives can seem daunting, but our website has something in common with most knowledge and many skills: that the learning curve is steepest at the beginning of the process. Your dictionary metaphor made us smile, since we often marvel that the things we have learned randomly from a dictionary while searching for a specific goal are often much more rewarding than the knowledge we actually sought. This is a Carrion Beetle.

Letter 4 – Carrion Beetle

What Is this?
Hi,
My son found this bug on the laundry hanging outside yesterday. We have searched, and been unsuccessful in identifying it. I only came across your site a few minutes ago, and will continue to look through it. It’s awesome! I hope the picture is clear enough. We have had it since Wed afternoon, so we gave it a blueberry, and it was happily eating it when I got it out to photograph it. Thanks,
Christina
Dundee, NY

Ed. Note: Before we could answer, the following email arrived.

FOUND IT! I just emailed you a picture of a bug near a blueberry that we were feeding it. I should have waited a bit before I sent it in, because we found it on Beetles 2004. It’s a Carrion Beetle! Thanks anyway! Christina in Dundee, NY

Letter 5 – Carrion Beetle

Golden BC Beetle with Photo
Dear Bugman,
My 4 year old son found this beetle in the backyard, on the patio. We live in Golden, BC Canada, and today is May 12 2006. I’ve looked through the beetle pages on your site (which took abut an hour, because my son kept saying "Whoa Mum! Look at THAT one! What’s that called?" for every beetle!) I’ve included a picture (which was really hard by the way – you have some amazing photos on your site – I really appreciate the patience that went into those photos) and I hope you can help me identify this beetle because my son is taking it to school tomorrow, and I would like to be able to tell the class what it is called, an keep it alive while it’s in our captivity. It is about 2-3 cm long, it’s a matte black colour all over, and it has an interesting textured pattern on its back. I think it looks like it could fly, but I have seen no evidence to support this. Thank you for your help! PS Another one of your questioners reported using a "bug vacuum" my son really wants to know what that is (presumably because he wants one!) Can you tell me what this is? Thanks!
Dana

Hi Dana,
We believe this is one of the Darkling Beetles, but are waiting for Eric Eaton to weigh in with a possible species identification. Here is Eric’s response: “The beetle from Golden, BC is actually a Carrion Beetle, Heterosilpha ramosa. This specimen is stretched out, which makes the ID more tricky. Normally, they have their head nearly tucked under the thoracic shield. The reticulated pattern of veins on the wing covers is not very evident in the image, either, but the exposed end of the abdomen clinches it. “

Letter 6 – Carrion Beetle in the Kitchen Sink

Please help
I found this little guy and couple other of the same kind trying to keep hidden near a squirrel that I found dead next to my house. Should I be concerned at all about him?
Kevin

Hi Kevin,
Carrion Beetles are harmless, and they do eat rotting flesh. Our curiosity is “How did the Carrion Beetle get from the dead squirrel to the garbage disposal?”

I was able to find it on your website after I had taken the picture. There were only 2-3 on the squirrel and they ran away at the sight of me, when I moved the squirrel there were 100’s and maybe 1000’s of little white bug directly under him. I found a great website about this and realized that it was the Carrion Beetle, after I had sent you the picture. I remove the squirrel and placed him in some deep woods for nature to finish what it had started, but 2-3 beetles remained in the area. That is when I decided to catch one and take a picture of it to send to you. My camera would not focus enough on him in the cup that I had captured him in, so I put him the sink to run around while I got a picture. I guess my only other question was will they go away. I am assuming that they are continually on the move looking for carrion, but I still wanted to ask to make sure. Thank you so much

Letter 7 – Carrion Beetle and Banded Netwing Beetle

Thank you so much-This is my Carrion Beetle
I found one with out a doubt. My Carrion Beetle was eating on a dead snake. There is a bug under the Carrion bug in the image to the far right. I don’t know what that little thing is. You can also see an ant on the brown leaf. Thanks a bunch.
JoLynn Self
Choctaw County, Oklahoma

Carrion Beetle	Banded Netwing Beetle

Hi again Jolynn
Since you didn’t provide us any information on the Banded Netwing Beetle, and since both submissions were going on the beetle page, we combined the submissions to cut down on some of our work. Here at What’s That Bug?, we believe if you want a job done, you should go to a busy person, but if you want a job done quickly, you should go to a lazy person because a lazy person will think up the path of least resistance to expedite the situation. We confess we have the lazy gene.

Letter 8 – Carrion Beetle

Your Photos
Hi,
My mom sent me these pictures, and asked me to ID this insect. I guess she thinks because I’m in veterinary school that I know everything! 🙂 Can you help? She said it was approximately an inch long. Location: Central New Jersey, USA, near the Jersey Shore. I assume she found it this past week. She would like to know if it is a "good or bad bug". Thanks
Linda Schoenfeld

Hi Linda,
This is a Carrion Beetle. It is a beneficial beetle that feeds on rotting flesh, helping to eliminate decomposing carcasses and consequently returning necessary minerals to the soil. Last week we posted an image of several Carrion Beetles feeding on a Stinkhorn fungus.

Letter 9 – Bug of the Month May 2013: Three Species of Carrion Beetles

Subject: Various Carrion Beetles
Location: Barrington, New Hampshire
May 7, 2013 2:38 pm
Howdy Bugman!
Been awhile since I sent you anything, but as spring is here and the insects are creeping back out, I thought you might like to see some of the recent fruits of photographing. Today while searching a favorite spot of mine, I came across the carcass of a small animal with no less than three species of Carrion Beetle feeding on it. If I have them correctly identified, it starts with a Margined Carrion Beetle, then a Northern one and finally an American one. This was a great find for me as I had not seen any of them before in the wild, hope you enjoy them too.
Signature: Black Zarak

Dear Black Zarak,
Thank you for this wonderful study in diversity.  How exciting to have found all three in the proximity of a single corpse.  We wish you had also sent a photo of the group.  We agree with your identifications.  The first does indeed look like the Margined Carrion Beetle, Oiceoptoma noveboracense, that is pictured on BugGuide which states:  “Similar, but smaller than the more common Necrophila americana. In this species the black mark on the pronotum extends to the base. Edges of pronotum tinged with yellow or orange.”

Your second individual does appear to be a Northern Carrion Beetle, Thanatophilus lapponicus, which is also pictured on BugGuide.  Interestingly, though BugGuide states the range as:  “Throughout Canada, Alaska, and northern part of United States. Southward in western states at higher elevations to southern California, Arizona, New Mexico. Also found in Eurasia,” all the BugGuide reports are from western states.  We could not locate any postings of Northern Carrion Beetles in our archives, so we believe this is a first for our site. 

The American Carrion Beetle, Necrophila americana, is the one species that is well represented on our site.  According to BugGuide:  “Diurnal, not found at lights. … 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. Adults overwinter.”  We suppose the three species are active in spring in the northern climes when they hunt out animals that have died and frozen over the winter and begin decaying once they have thawed out.

I do actually have a couple pictures of them on the carcass, I’ll attach them to this. You can see the American beetle clearly and the abdomen of the Margined sticking out, but the Northern one was somewhere underneath and came crawling out later. I also got some really nice pictures of Six-Spotted Tiger Beetles chasing each other and mating on the same outing if you’d like to see those.

Thanks for sending the additional photos.  We had imagined numerous Carrion Beetles crawling about in the carcass.  By all means send the Tiger Beetle photos.  Please submit a new form at Ask What’s That Bug?

Whatever they were eating had been a pretty small animal to start with (perhaps a snake or mouse) so really I was surprised that even three beetles had managed to cram in/under it. I sent in the Tiger Beetle photos as well, hope you like them!