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Common burying beetle

Common burying beetle

Nicrophorus vespillo

A species of Burying beetles, Also known as Vespillo burying beetle

These are large beetles, from 12 to 25 mm in length and fly strongly. The beetles have two striking orange-yellow bands on the wing-cases. They are distinguished from others in the genus by the long golden hairs on the body and wing-cases as well as the orange club-shaped ends of the antennae and the shape of the hind legs.

General Info About Common burying beetle
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Attributes of Common burying beetle
Colors
Black
Orange
Habitat
Under dead bird; under dead mammal
Adult Food Sources
Decomposing animal remains, rotting fruits, carrion
Larva Food Source
Carcass of small birds, carcass of small mammals, decaying organic matter
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Common burying beetle is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Species Status of Common burying beetle
Widespread
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Distribution Area of Common burying beetle
Europe, Asia, Western Europe, Mongolia
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Life Cycle of Common burying beetle
Egg The initial stage of a common burying beetle involves an oblong egg, typically deposited on or near a food source. The eggs are small, discernible by their pale color and clustered arrangement.
Larva Upon hatching, the larva of common burying beetle emerges, bearing a worm-like appearance with a voracious appetite. This stage is characterized by its soft exoskeleton, increasing in size through molting, and lack of wings.
Pupal Transition to the pupal stage denotes a significant transformation for common burying beetle. Encased within a pupa, it experiences dormant exterior activity, while internally, complex developments usher in the adult form.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult common burying beetle manifests with hardened exoskeleton and functional wings. The body displays definitive coloration and patterning, and behaviorally, the focus turns to dispersal and reproduction.
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Predators of Common burying beetle Larvae
Birds, rodents, ants, carabid beetles, spiders
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Predators of Adult Common burying beetle
Birds, small mammals, larger beetiles, reptiles, amphibians
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Interesting Facts About Common burying beetle
Common burying beetle use chemical signals to communicate with potential mates, marking the air with pheromones to attract a partner.
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Scientific Classification of Common burying beetle
Tips for Finding Common burying beetle
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Youth Habitat of Common burying beetle
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Rotting and Decaying Matter
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Adult Habitat of Common burying beetle
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Rotting and Decaying Matter
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Habitat Preferences of Common burying beetle Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of common burying beetle are commonly deposited in or on soil near small carrion which the parents have buried. Searching for them would require careful excavation around such areas. Larval common burying beetle develop within the carrion itself, thus locating larvae entails identifying decomposing animal remains, preferably small carcasses like those of birds or rodents. To find pupae, one should look for soil near the consumed carrion source, as the larvae burrow to pupate. The adults, with strong flying abilities, are not bound to carcass proximity, making them more widespread. They are often found in habitats ranging from woodlands to fields, so searching for adults involves checking above ground on vegetation or flying near potential food sources during appropriate weather conditions.
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Beneficial Effects of Common burying 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
Stage
Adults
Larvae
Items
Dead Animals, Plant Remains
Common burying beetle are significant participants in the cycle of nutrients due to their penchant for decomposing organic matter. In both larvae and adult stages, they contribute by breaking down carcasses and plant remains. These insects are equipped with special enzymes and, at times, host specific bacteria that aid in decomposition. Moreover, they accelerate the recycling of nutrients, ensuring a steady flow in their ecosystem. Their skillful burrowing and transportation of decaying matter exposes it to other decomposers, promoting a faster degradation process.
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