Margined Burying Beetle
Nicrophorus marginatus
This record describes Nicrophorus marginatus (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Similar in appearance to N. guttula and N. obscurus , but can be easily distinguished by the fully orange epipleuron (which has a black subhumeral patch in guttula ) and the fully orange antennal club (the first segment of which is black in obscurus .)
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
The most widely distributed of our Nicrophorus spp., but uncommon in se US - Map , less common out west than Nicrophorus guttula . Anderson & Peck speculate that this species was originally restricted to Western prairie habitats, but spread across the rest of the continent as deforestation created more of the open habitat that it prefers.
Seasonal Activity
mostly: Apr-Oct (BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Nicrophorus marginatus Fabricius 1801
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Nicrophorus marginatus. 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 Margined Burying Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , Bennett_Grappone
Frequently Asked Questions About Margined Burying Beetle
What is Margined Burying Beetle?
Margined Burying Beetle (Nicrophorus marginatus) is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Margined Burying Beetle?
13.9-22.0 mm
How do you identify Margined Burying Beetle?
Similar in appearance to N. guttula and N. obscurus , but can be easily distinguished by the fully orange epipleuron (which has a black subhumeral patch in guttula ) and the fully orange antennal club (the first segment of which is black in obscurus .)
Where is Margined Burying Beetle found?
Range: The most widely distributed of our Nicrophorus spp., but uncommon in se US - Map , less common out west than Nicrophorus guttula . Anderson & Peck speculate that this species was originally restricted to Western prairie habitats, but spread across the rest of the continent as deforestation created more of the open habitat that it prefers.
When is Margined Burying Beetle active?
Margined Burying Beetle: seasonal activity - mostly: Apr-Oct (BG data).