What is a burying beetle?
Burying beetles are just one small group of beetles among the over 350,000 species of beetles known to science. Burying beetles are in the genus Nicrophorus and are among the most fascinating insects in the world. Nicrophorus beetles feed on dead animals (carrion). They also use carrion as a food source for their young. They are unique among the beetles in that they provide parental care to their young. Nicrophorus beetles are strong fliers. During the breeding season, Nicrophorus beetles fly over large areas searching for carrion of the proper size for rearing a brood. When a carrion source is located, a male and female cooperate to bury the carcass, clean and prepare it with preservative secretions. Discovery and preparation of the carcass causes rapid hormonal changes in the female that trigger egg maturation. The female lays eggs in the soil in the brood chamber soon after the carcass is prepared. One or both adults will remain in the brood chamber to protect the carcass and the br
