Black Sexton Beetle
Nicrophorus humator
This record describes Nicrophorus humator (species). Recorded family: Silphidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
There are several Sexton beetles in the UK but this is the only all black species (apart from the orange tips to its antennae) and it is large (20-30 mm). As they fly long distances to feed on carrion they can be seen a wide variety of habitats were their food is to be found. The Sexton beetles are the undertakers of the insect world. They fly to carrion, attracted by the smell. If the dead animal is small, such as a mouse, they crawl underneath and excavate the soil so that the corpse gradually sinks into the ground. They then lay eggs nearby, and stay until the larvae hatch, and even feed them.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Silphidae
- Genus
- Nicrophorus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
As they fly long distances to feed on carrion they can be seen a wide variety of habitats were their food is to be found.
Seasonal Activity
Mainly April to September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The Sexton beetles are the undertakers of the insect world. They fly to carrion, attracted by the smell. If the dead animal is small, such as a mouse, they crawl underneath and excavate the soil so that the corpse gradually sinks into the ground. They then lay eggs nearby, and stay until the larvae hatch, and even feed them.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly common over much of Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Nicrophorus humator. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Black Sexton Beetle (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Sexton Beetle
What is Black Sexton Beetle?
Black Sexton Beetle (Nicrophorus humator) is a species in the family Silphidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Black Sexton Beetle found?
Habitat: As they fly long distances to feed on carrion they can be seen a wide variety of habitats were their food is to be found.
When is Black Sexton Beetle active?
Black Sexton Beetle: seasonal activity - Mainly April to September..
What is the life cycle of a Black Sexton Beetle?
The Sexton beetles are the undertakers of the insect world. They fly to carrion, attracted by the smell. If the dead animal is small, such as a mouse, they crawl underneath and excavate the soil so that the corpse gradually sinks into the ground. They then lay eggs nearby, and stay until the larvae hatch, and even feed them.