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American Burying Beetle

Nicrophorus americanus

Photo by bowhunter187
Published on Project Noah
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42.8651, -71.374

Field Notes

Description:

. Most of these beetles are black with red markings on the elytra (forewings). They bury the carcasses of small vertebrates such as birds and rodents as a food source for their larvae. They are unusual among insects in that both the male and female parents take care of the brood.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (3)
Vampiress
Thank you Bowhunter, I am lost and have not been having the best of days lately but this picture made me smile thinking of a silly story between me, my husband, these beetles and deer testicals. :) Good memory!!! Memories are good to have when you are really missing someone. Thanks!!!
Aaron_G
This is not an American burying beetle, as their range does not include NH. It's most likely Nicrophorus tomentosus. They have the yellow setae on the pronotum and also on their sides (under the elytra - as seen in your photo). http://bugguide.net/node/view/28744
Vampiress
The American Burying Beetle is an endangered species of beetle to North America!!!
Photographed
PublishedAugust 8, 2011

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