American Burying Beetle
Nicrophorus tomentosus
The adult is found in grasslands, open woods, and forest edges where it searches for small dead animals. It flies to carrion, then uses strong legs and mandibles to bury the carcass as food for itself and its young. Its tough wing covers protect the body, and it can release foul-smelling defensive chemicals when disturbed. This beetle is notable for unusually advanced parental care, with both adults helping prepare food for larvae.
- Type
- Burrow
- Conservation status
- NE
Growth chain
- ?
- ?
- American Burying Beetle