Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Icon about
About
Icon about
General Info
Icon about
Search Tips
Icon about
Harmful or Not
Icon about
Beneficial Effects
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Similar Insects
Icon about
Popular Insects
Roundneck sexton beetle

Roundneck sexton beetle

Nicrophorus orbicollis

A species of Burying beetles

The roundneck sexton beetle (Nicrophorus orbicollis) is identified with its stark black color and the orange markings on the backside of its body. Because they are decomposed, they feed on the carcasses of dead animals. If they live in the area, they can be used for medical or forensic research, as it does not show up on the carcass until several days after it has passed.

General Info About Roundneck sexton beetle
Instantly identify insects with a snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on bite assessment, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safe interaction tips, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Attributes of Roundneck sexton beetle
Colors
Brown
Black
Orange
Habitat
human and carnivore fece; rotten fruit; carrion
Adult Food Sources
Carcasses of small vertebrates, decomposing organic matter, carrion, invertebrates, and rotting fruits
Larva Food Source
Carcasses of small birds, mice, shrews, carcasses of squirrels, and soft tissues of dead insects
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Species Status of Roundneck sexton beetle
It is distributed from southeastern Canada to the southern tip of Florida and to East Texas; it has also been discovered as far west as Nebraska and as far north as North Dakota. It is the most frequently collected silphid species in the eastern United States.
Rectangle
Life Cycle of Roundneck sexton beetle
Egg The egg phase marks the beginning of roundneck sexton beetle's life cycle. The eggs are small and typically laid in clusters. These are often deposited in or near a food source and exhibit minimal change in appearance, remaining static in form until hatching.
Larva Larvae emerge from eggs possessing a worm-like appearance with limited resemblance to adults. The larvae undergo several molts, increasing in size with each stage. They are voracious feeders, with growth focused on accumulating energy for metamorphosis.
Pupal The larva transforms into a pupa, during which roundneck sexton beetle is encased in a protective cocoon, and its body undergoes significant transformation. This stage sees the reorganization of tissues and development of adult features, though roundneck sexton beetle remains immobile.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult roundneck 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.
Rectangle
Adult Size of Roundneck sexton beetle
1.5 - 2 cm
Rectangle
Predators of Roundneck sexton beetle Larvae
Birds, rodents, ants, carabid beetles
Rectangle
Predators of Adult Roundneck sexton beetle
Birds, rodents, larger beetles, mammalian carnivores
Rectangle
Interesting Facts About Roundneck sexton beetle
Roundneck sexton beetle uses chemical signals to communicate with its partners during the care of their offspring, an unusual trait among beetles.
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of Roundneck sexton beetle
Tips for Finding Roundneck sexton beetle
Your ultimate guide to understanding insects
Unlock the secrets of insect life cycles, habitats, behaviors and observation tips!!
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Youth Habitat of Roundneck sexton beetle
Rotting and Decaying Matter
Rectangle
Habitat Preferences of Roundneck sexton beetle Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of roundneck sexton beetle are often deposited in or on soil near vertebrate carcasses, which the parents have buried. Larvae feed on the carcass and are usually found within the immediate vicinity of these subsurface remains. During the pupal stage, which occurs in the soil near the consumed food source, these insects remain relatively hidden. Adult roundneck sexton beetle tend to frequent habitats where they can find carcasses for reproduction, such as woodlands, grasslands, and areas adjacent to bodies of water, often searching at night. To locate them, investigate areas with decaying organic matter or follow the scent of decomposition.
Rectangle
When is the Best Time to Observe Roundneck sexton beetle
Roundneck sexton beetle is typically more active during the cooler hours of the day, such as early morning or late evening. They may also be active at night.
Rectangle
What is the Best Weather to Observe Roundneck sexton beetle
Mild and humid weather conditions are generally more suitable for finding roundneck sexton beetle, as they prefer moist environments which aid in their primary food source's decomposition process.
Rectangle
How and Where Can You Find Roundneck sexton beetle at Different Life Stages
Larva Roundneck sexton beetle larvae are often found in the soil or decaying matter where they have been laid and are feeding. Search under logs, within animal carcasses, or in rich soil near such decomposing materials.
Adult Roundneck sexton beetle adults are typically found on or near carrion. Locate them by searching areas where you might find dead animals, such as in the woods, on roadkill, or in areas with a high density of animal activity. Use bait such as meat or a small animal carcass in a live trap to safely lure and observe roundneck sexton beetle.
Are Roundneck sexton beetle harmful?
Your Complete Pest Control Guide
Discover effective tips for preventing and eliminating pest infestations to keep bugs away from your home.
Download the App for Free
Beneficial Effects of Roundneck sexton beetle
Discover the hidden benefits of insects
Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
Download the App for Free
Decomposers
Decomposers
Stage
Adults
Larvae
Roundneck sexton beetle acts as a crucial participant in the decomposition process, especially during its larval stage. Roundneck sexton beetle helps break down and recycle nutrients from dead animals and plant remains, often digging them underground. Its contribution aids in nutrient cycling, enriching soil fertility and supporting ecosystem health. Intriguingly, roundneck sexton beetle exhibits a unique parenting behavior, where the adults prepare carcasses for their larvae.
Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Insect Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and answers on bites, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safety tips!
Download the App for Free
More Insects that are Similar to Roundneck sexton beetle
Oxelytrum discicolle
Oxelytrum discicolle

Oxelytrum discicolle is a species of carrion beetle in the family Silphidae. It is found in Central America, North America, and South America.

Read More
Arrow
Silpha obscura
Silpha obscura

The Flachstreifige Aaskäfer (Silpha obscura) is a beetle from the family of the Aaskäfer (Silphidae).

Read More
Arrow
Sad carrion beetle
Sad carrion beetle

Silpha tristis is a species of carrion beetle in the family Silphidae. It is found in Europe and Northern Asia (excluding China) and North America. It was described in 1798 by the German entomologist Illiger.

Read More
Arrow
Silpha carinata
Silpha carinata

Adorned with nocturnal habits and aerial prowess, silpha carinata is an adept scavenger whose diet primarily consists of carrion. It plays a vital role in nutrient cycling within its ecosystem. Through a sophisticated olfactory system, this creature unerringly locates decomposing organic matter, thus ensuring the meticulous breakdown and recycling of animal remains back into the earth.

Read More
Arrow
Silpha atrata
Silpha atrata

Found traversing forest floors and meadows, silpha atrata is often seen partaking in the critical role of decomposing carrion, contributing vital nutrients back into the ecosystem. This beetle prefers the cool shelter provided by decaying matter, where it undergoes distinct metamorphosis from a larva with strong mandibles suited for a diet of carcass material, to a winged adult with taste more inclined towards vegetative matter, such as mushrooms and rotting plant material.

Read More
Arrow
Red-lined carrion beetle
Red-lined carrion beetle

The red-lined carrion beetle (Necrodes surinamensis) is a nocturnal species, often attracted to lights. It's usually found near dead things, especially deceased birds. It also consumes fly larvae, which are abundant near carrion. If threatened, these bugs can release a foul-smelling chemical at all life stages.

Read More
Arrow
Bent-leggedlpha shorexton beetle
Bent-leggedlpha shorexton beetle

Adorned with a striking pattern of orange and black, bent-leggedlpha shorexton beetle is a skilled recycler of organic matter, specializing in the decomposition of carcasses. It exhibits remarkable adaptability, with larvae preferring smaller carrion and adults capable of detecting and burying larger remains, aiding in crucial nutrient cycling within its ecosystem. Such distinctive feeding practices make it an integral part of its habitat's health and biodiversity.

Read More
Arrow
Ridged carrion beetle
Ridged carrion beetle

Known for its secretive nature, ridged carrion beetle plays a subtle yet crucial role in the ecosystem as a recycler of organic matter. Thriving in temperate woodlands, this species is remarkably adapted to locating and decomposing carrion, a testament to its specialized sensory capabilities. With a diet that changes from carnivorous larvae to more opportunistic adults, it contributes to nutrient cycling and disease control by efficiently breaking down decaying tissues.

Read More
Arrow
Other Popular Insects
Western honey bee
Western honey bee

Western honey bee(Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

Read More
Arrow
Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most recognizable butterfly in North America. It is best known for its appearance, but should be better known for the fact that it has a 3000-mile migration that takes the butterfly 4 generations to complete. Their diet is also a natural deterrent for predators, as they eat milkweed, a poison that induces vomiting.

Read More
Arrow
Japanese rhinoceros beetle
Japanese rhinoceros beetle

The japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) is a massive beetle about the size of the palm of a hand. It's distinguished by its long Y-shaped horn, which it uses to fight other males with. It's a nocturnal bug that feeds on sap and sweet fruits. This species is sometimes kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and simple care requirements.

Read More
Arrow
Silkworm
Silkworm

The silken threads produced by silkworm during its larval stage have been highly coveted for millennia, manifesting as a luxurious fabric in human society. Remarkably, this creature has a singular diet, feeding exclusively on the leaves of its primary host plant from which it extracts the necessary nutrients to facilitate its transition into a non-feeding, winged adult.

Read More
Arrow
Menelaus blue morpho
Menelaus blue morpho

Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a gorgeous butterfly with large, royal blue wings. Linnaeus named the genus Morpho the Aphrodite-Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty for its extreme beauty. It is native to tropical rainforests. Though many butterfly gardens now cultivate them in captivity, there are still many people who never get a chance to see them.

Read More
Arrow
Atlas moth
Atlas moth

While the atlas moth (Attacus atlas) can't tell you where to find your country on the map, it does earn its name through other means. It is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that is far larger than its body, creating an abnormal comparison. In India, their silk is gathered in a non-commercial capacity and is considered to be more durable than the domestic silkworm.

Read More
Arrow
Flying peacock spider
Flying peacock spider

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have color patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species. Also, the males dance to attract females.

Read More
Arrow
Multicolored asian ladybeetle
Multicolored asian ladybeetle

Often confused for the ladybug, multicolored asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a separate species that, unlike the ladybug, is a household pest. It is considered particularly annoying for its habit of returning to places from which it is removed. One of the most variable species in the world, there are many different colors and patterns multicolored asian ladybeetle may display, making identification potentially difficult.

Read More
Arrow