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Handsome fungus beetle

Aphorista laeta

Photo by KarenSaxton
Published on Project Noah
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43.1813, -124.182

Field Notes

Description:

Very small burying beetle(under 1cm) as compared to one from last year, that was just over an inch. Both have similar antennae http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/13329578

The carrion beetles' biggest competitors are flies and fly maggots. The mites feed on fly eggs and larva, thus ensuring the mutual survival of both. The beetle gives the mites transportation to their food source, while the mites allow the carrion beetle and its resulting offspring a chance to use the corpse before the flies finish it off.

Habitat:

Near porch light during a rare warm spell in March

Species ID Suggestions

Handsome Fungus Beetle

Aphorista laeta

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Photographed
PublishedMay 5, 2013

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