Nicrophorus obscurus
This record describes Nicrophorus obscurus (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
can be distinguished from the similar N. guttula by the deeply emarginate outer edge of antennomere 3 and from N. marginatus by the long setae on the anterior face of the procoxa in the basal half
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
Habitat
diurnal prairie species; adults collected at carrion and human feces
Geographic Range
AB‒CO to MB‒NE
Seasonal Activity
Mar‒Oct
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Nicrophorus obscurus Kirby 1837
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Nicrophorus obscurus. 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 obscurus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Guy A. Hanley; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Nicrophorus obscurus
What is Nicrophorus obscurus?
Nicrophorus obscurus is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Nicrophorus obscurus?
13.1‒24.0 mm
How do you identify Nicrophorus obscurus?
can be distinguished from the similar N. guttula by the deeply emarginate outer edge of antennomere 3 and from N. marginatus by the long setae on the anterior face of the procoxa in the basal half
Where is Nicrophorus obscurus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | diurnal prairie species; adults collected at carrion and human feces |
| Range | AB‒CO to MB‒NE |
When is Nicrophorus obscurus active?
Nicrophorus obscurus: seasonal activity - Mar‒Oct.