Nicrophorus investigator
This record describes Nicrophorus investigator (species). Recorded family: Silphidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This Sexton, at 26 mm, is somewhat larger than the Common Sexton Beetle ( N. Vespilloides ). This species has dark reddish tips to its antennae. Other identifying features include the absence of hairs on the thorax and straight tibias on the hind legs. It has three abdominal segments protruding beyond the elytra. Only the posterior orange band is broken on the mid line where the elytra join in this species. Various habitats as it is drawn into to movement by the scent of meals as they become available. Mainly seen in spring and summer when they are attracted to light. They are scavengers, living off and breeding in rotten carcasses. They have a very good sense of smell and are reputed to be able to smell a carcass up to two miles away. Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain
Wikipedia reference for Nicrophorus investigator: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicrophorus_investigator.
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
Various habitats as it is drawn into to movement by the scent of meals as they become available.
Seasonal Activity
Mainly seen in spring and summer when they are attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
They are scavengers, living off and breeding in rotten carcasses. They have a very good sense of smell and are reputed to be able to smell a carcass up to two miles away.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Nicrophorus investigator. 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 investigator (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Nicrophorus investigator
What is Nicrophorus investigator?
Nicrophorus investigator is a species in the family Silphidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Nicrophorus investigator found?
Habitat: Various habitats as it is drawn into to movement by the scent of meals as they become available.
When is Nicrophorus investigator active?
Nicrophorus investigator: seasonal activity - Mainly seen in spring and summer when they are attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a Nicrophorus investigator?
They are scavengers, living off and breeding in rotten carcasses. They have a very good sense of smell and are reputed to be able to smell a carcass up to two miles away.