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Black sexton beetle

Black sexton beetle

Nicrophorus humator

A species of Burying beetles

Nicrophorus humator is a burying beetle described by Gleditsch in 1767 (as Silpha humator). It has a Palearctic distribution, including North Africa. A fossil dating to around 10,500 years ago was described in 1962 by Pearson.

General Info About Black sexton beetle
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Attributes of Black sexton beetle
Colors
Brown
Black
Habitat
Dead animal
Adult Food Sources
Decaying organic matter, small dead animals, carrion, dead insects, occasionally small live prey
Larva Food Source
Carcass of small birds, carcass of mammals, dead insects, decaying flesh, other carrion
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Black sexton beetle is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Life Cycle of Black sexton beetle
Egg The egg of black sexton beetle is laid typically in soil or decaying matter. It's small, oval, and initially pale, darkening as development progresses. This stage is solely for growth, with an absence of movement or interaction with the environment.
Larva Upon hatching, black sexton beetle larvae are worm-like, legged, and voracious eaters focused on consuming high amounts of nutrients to grow. They undergo several molts, increasing in size and developing organs progressively.
Pupal In the pupal stage, black sexton beetle undergoes significant transformation within a pupal case, losing its larval form. The insect is non-feeding and immobile as its body reorganizes into the adult structure, including developing wings and hardened exoskeleton.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult black sexton beetle's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction and dispersal.
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Predators of Black sexton beetle Larvae
Amphibians, birds, rodents, insects
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Predators of Adult Black sexton beetle
Birds, small mammals, reptiles, arthropods
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Interesting Facts About Black sexton beetle
Black sexton beetle engage in a unique parenting style where they bury carcasses to create a food source for their larvae.
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Scientific Classification of Black sexton beetle
Tips for Finding Black sexton beetle
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How Can You Attract Black sexton beetle
To trap black sexton beetle, an attractive food source that comprises carrion is ideal, as black sexton beetle are known to be attracted to the scent of decaying animals.
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Habitat Preferences of Black sexton beetle Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of black sexton beetle can typically be found underground where carcasses are buried for larval sustenance. Larvae reside within or close to the decomposing matter, benefiting from the nutrient-rich environment for growth. Searching for eggs or larvae requires examining soil beneath or around small vertebrate carcasses. Pupation continues in the soil, suggesting a focus on nearby earthen materials when seeking pupae. Adults are attracted to fresh carcasses and sometimes light sources at night, making areas with potential food sources and open, less dense canopy coverage probable sites for observation. Therefore, searching for adults should involve surveying these locations, particularly during the night or twilight hours.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Black sexton beetle
The most suitable time to find black sexton beetle is usually during the night or at dusk, as they are primarily nocturnal.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Black sexton beetle
Moist and cool conditions are generally preferable when searching for black sexton beetle, as they avoid overly dry or hot environments.
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How and Where Can You Find Black sexton beetle at Different Life Stages
Larva To find black sexton beetle larvae, search near carcasses or decaying materials on the ground. The larvae will often be found beneath or within the decomposing matter they feed on.
Pupal Black sexton beetle pupae may be located underground or in hidden places close to their food sources. Sifting through the soil or detritus near a recently utilized food source might reveal them.
Adult Black sexton beetle adults are scavengers and can be found around carrion. Searching for them at night using a light to spot their reflective eyes is effective, or by placing bait such as decaying meat in a suitable trap.
Are Black sexton beetle harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Black sexton beetle
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Decomposers
Decomposers
Items
Dead Animals, Plant Remains
Black sexton beetle is an insect that contributes to decomposition primarily in its larval stage. The larvae feed on dead animals and plant material, breaking down complex organic matter into simpler substances. This process plays a crucial role in recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. Interestingly, black sexton beetle engages in a unique behavior called 'necrophoresis,' where they prepare corpses as a food source for their larvae.
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