American Carrion Beetle – 6/4/24

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/4/24

Observation Time: 12:40 p.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Farm (T.T.O.R.)

Common Name: American Carrion Beetle

Scientific Name: Necrophilia americana

Comments: From spring through fall, during daylight, a few hours after flies begin arriving at a carcass, the adult beetles will arrive as well. They immediately begin eating the already hatching fly larvae, mating, and laying their own eggs. As long as the carcass lasts, the adults will remain eating competitors to give their own larvae a chance to eat and grow. Upon hatching from the eggs, the larvae will eat both the carcass and other larvae that are within it. Eventually the larvae will fall to the ground, dig into the dirt, and pupate. Overwintering is done by adults.

More Information: Wikipedia