Small Scavenger Beetle
Necrophilus pettiti
This record describes Necrophilus pettiti (species). Recorded family: Agyrtidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
flightless species
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Staphylinoidea
- Family
- Agyrtidae (Primitive Carrion Beetles)
- Genus
- Necrophilus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
forested habitats
Geographic Range
so.ON-MI,MO, south to FL-LA .
Seasonal Activity
mostly fall through spring
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Breeds on carrion, feces, fungi
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Necrophilus pettitii Horn 1880
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Necrophilus pettiti. 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 Small Scavenger Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by cotinis , v belov , Thrasher
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Scavenger Beetle
How big is Small Scavenger Beetle?
9-12 mm
How do you identify Small Scavenger Beetle?
flightless species
Where is Small Scavenger Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | forested habitats |
| Range | so.ON-MI,MO, south to FL-LA . |
When is Small Scavenger Beetle active?
Small Scavenger Beetle: seasonal activity - mostly fall through spring.
What is the life cycle of a Small Scavenger Beetle?
Breeds on carrion, feces, fungi