Nicrophorus carolina
This record describes Nicrophorus carolina (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Staphylinoidea
- Family
- Staphylinidae (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
Geographic Range
SD-e.WY south to TX-AZ, along the Gulf Coastal Plain to FL and along the Atlantic Coastal Plain to VA
Seasonal Activity
Mar-Oct
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Nicrophorus carolina (Linnaeus 1771) Doug Yanega and Derek Sikes agree that the species name for Nicrophorus carolinus should be carolina, as it was originally named, since "Carolina" is a proper name and not an adjective
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Nicrophorus carolina. 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 Nicrophorus carolina (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jeff Hollenbeck; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , margarethe brummermann , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Nicrophorus carolina
How big is Nicrophorus carolina?
13.8-26.6 mm
Where is Nicrophorus carolina found?
Range: SD-e.WY south to TX-AZ, along the Gulf Coastal Plain to FL and along the Atlantic Coastal Plain to VA
When is Nicrophorus carolina active?
Nicrophorus carolina: seasonal activity - Mar-Oct.