Carrion beetle
The carrion beetle is a notable insect belonging to the family Silphidae, which comprises over 200 species of decomposers. These beetles are characterized by their long, thick bodies and protective wing cases, known as elytra, which shield their delicate rear wings. Carrion beetles primarily inhabit fields, woods, and areas with small dead animals, where they play a crucial role in the ecosystem by feeding on decaying flesh from rodents, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. Their diet is not only integral to their survival but also influences their reproductive behavior, as they bury small dead animals to provide nourishment for their young.
During mating rituals, male carrion beetles perform dances to attract females, and several beetles may compete for the same mate. After mating, females lay their eggs in the decaying matter, creating chambers for them to develop. The life cycle from egg to adult varies, with some species maturing in as little as two weeks. Carrion beetles exhibit a unique social behavior, often working in groups to bury carcasses, which benefits their survival and reproductive success. With an average lifespan of about one year, these beetles contribute significantly to the decomposition process within their ecosystems.
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Carrion beetle
The carrion beetle is known for its method of feeding its young. This beetle buries the bodies of small, dead animals for food for their young. The word carrion means the decaying flesh of a dead body.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Uniramia
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Silphidae
Genus: Various (see below)
Species: Various (see below)
Carrion beetles are a group of more than 200 species of decomposers belonging to the family Silphidae. The family Silphidae is divided into the subfamilies Silphinae and Nicrophorinae. Beetles in each group differ in food choice, antennae shape, and the attention they give their young. It is found in most countries in the world inhabiting fields, woods, and other overgrown areas with small rodents, reptiles, and amphibians. Some carrion beetles live in bee hives or caves.
The average carrion beetle measures 1/2 inch (12 millimeters) long. Its long, thick body is separated into partshead, thorax, or mid-body section, and abdomen, or lower-body section. Like other beetles, the abdomen of the carrion beetle is covered by the beetle's hard, protective wingcases.
The wingcases of the carrion beetle are formed from its front wings. Each elytrum, or wingcase, protects the carrion beetle's delicate rear wings from exposure to the environment and predators. When the carrion beetle crawls along the ground, its elytra rests on its back and looks like a solid piece of exoskeleton, or external skeleton. Unlike some beetles whose elytra form a rounded body shape, the carrion beetle's elytra are long and form a point between the large hind legs. When the carrion beetle flies, the elytra lift and the rear wings unfold from beneath their protective shields.
Like other beetles, the carrion beetle senses smell with its antennae, mainly the smell of carrion, or decaying animal flesh. The carrion beetle feeds on the flesh of dead animals like rodents, amphibians, reptiles, and birds. The beetle uses its strong, biting mouthparts to chew carrion. Its mandibles, or jaws, help rip the flesh, while the maxillae and lips taste the flesh and move it into the beetle's throat.
The carrion beetle's connection with dead animal flesh is not only seen in its feeding habits, but also in its reproductive habits. Before mating, the carrion beetle participates with other carrion beetles in burying a small dead animal. The carrion beetle is attracted to the dead animal by the smell of rotting flesh. Several carrion beetles work together to dig a sunken tunnel in the dirt. They then roll and push the carcass until it falls into the sunken passageway.
As this process is taking place, the mating ritual begins. Male carrion beetles begin dancing to attract the females. Fights occur between beetles competing for the same mate. Eventually, one victorious pair of carrion beetles mates near the carcass of the partially buried dead animal.
After mating, the female hollows out egg chambers above the mass of decaying flesh. She climbs onto the carrion and releases digestive juices to soften the decaying flesh. Then, she eats out a small crater in the carrion and closes it with the walls of the mass. She repeats this process until the crater is a large, deep hole for her nest. Beetles in the subfamily Silphinae incubate their eggs for 2 to 7 days and the total life cycle from egg to adult takes 26 to 58 days. Those in the Nicrophorinaes subfamily mature faster. The eggs hatch in 12 to 48 hours, and in less than two weeks, newly laid eggs become adult carrion beetles.
As the eggs hatch, the larval young are attracted to the smell of the decaying animal. They come to the crater and are fed by their mother.
Soon, the larvae can feed on their own. They bore farther into the ball of food and then out into the soil. In the soil, the larvae develop pupal chambers and molt, or shed their larval skin. Sometimes, they remain in these chambers through the winter, but generally, they emerge as adult carrion beetles after two weeks.
The average life span for the carrion beetle is around one year.
Bibliography
Coetzee, Chanel. "Carrion Beetle." A-Z Animals, 9 Mar. 2023, a-z-animals.com/animals/carrion-beetle. Accessed 25 Mar. 2024.
Whiffin, Ashleigh. "How to Identify Carrion Beetles." Discover Wildlife, 6 Apr. 2018, www.discoverwildlife.com/how-to/identify-wildlife/identify-carrion-beetles. Accessed 25 Mar. 2024.