Common Sexton Beetle
Nicrophorus vespilloides
This record describes Nicrophorus vespilloides (species). Recorded family: Silphidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is a very distinctive and brightly coloured beetle, with black and orange patterning on the elytra. The wing cases are squarish and shorter than the abomen. This beetle is commonly seen at light in gardens, often in company with a related, all black species, the Black Sexton Beetle. These beetles perform an important service in getting rid of carrion (dead small animals and birds). Males and females cooperate to bury this matter, by digging beneath the bodies to provide a food supply for their larvae. Fairly common and widespread in Britain.
Wikipedia reference for Nicrophorus vespilloides: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicrophorus_vespilloides.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Staphylinoidea
- Family
- Silphidae (Rove Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Silphinae
- Tribe
- Silphini
- Genus
- Nicrophorus (Sexton Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Under dead birds and mammals.
Seasonal Activity
This beetle is commonly seen at light in gardens, often in company with a related, all black species, the Black Sexton Beetle.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
These beetles perform an important service in getting rid of carrion (dead small animals and birds). Males and females cooperate to bury this matter, by digging beneath the bodies to provide a food supply for their larvae.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly common and widespread in Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Nicrophorus vespilloides. 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 Common Sexton Beetle (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Common Sexton Beetle
What is Common Sexton Beetle?
Common Sexton Beetle (Nicrophorus vespilloides) is a species in the family Silphidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Common Sexton Beetle found?
Habitat: Under dead birds and mammals.
When is Common Sexton Beetle active?
Common Sexton Beetle: seasonal activity - This beetle is commonly seen at light in gardens, often in company with a related, all black species, the Black Sexton Beetle..
What is the life cycle of a Common Sexton Beetle?
These beetles perform an important service in getting rid of carrion (dead small animals and birds). Males and females cooperate to bury this matter, by digging beneath the bodies to provide a food supply for their larvae.