Tomentose Burying Beetle – 7/22/23

Observer: Bruce Lewis

Observation Date: 7/22/23

Observation Time: 3:00 p.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill St.

Common Name: Tomentose Burying Beetle

Scientific Name: Nicrophorus tomentosus

Comments: I observed this beetle consuming a dead animal on Moose Hill St.

The beetle belongs to the family Silphidae, which are carrion beetles. The beetles have sensitive antennae that contain olfactory organs. Thus, the beetle can locate dead animals and then as the name suggests, can bury them. However, unlike other burying beetles, N. tomentosus does not completely bury these brood carcasses. They instead dig a shallow hole under the carcass and cover it with leaf litter. Recognition of these beetles can be distinguished by its black color with orange markings on the wing covers (elytra).

More Information: Wikipedia