Burying Beetle

*Nicrophorus*

Content coming soon for this insect guide.

Insect Profile

Beneficial Rating

+4 Beneficial

Active Months

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

US Distribution

NortheastSoutheastMidwest

Habitat Preferences

gardensmeadowsforestsgrasslands

Taxonomic Group

Beetle

Order

Coleoptera

Family

Silphidae

Lifecycle

The Burying Beetle has a life cycle of approximately one year. Adults are active from late spring through early fall, emerging from hibernation when nighttime temperatures are consistently above 59°F (15°C). Reproduction occurs in the spring and early summer. A male and female pair will locate a small vertebrate carcass, which they bury to protect it from competitors. After mating, the female lays eggs in the soil near the buried carcass. The eggs hatch in about six days, and the larvae move to the carcass to feed. Both parents exhibit a rare form of insect parental care, feeding the larvae regurgitated food and protecting them from predators. The larvae mature over several days, then move into the soil to pupate. New adults, called tenerals, emerge in the summer and will overwinter as adults, becoming the breeding population for the following year. The entire process from carcass burial to the emergence of new adults takes approximately 30 to 65 days.

Overwintering Strategy

Adults bury themselves in the soil to hibernate for the winter.

Native Range

Temperate eastern North America

Attracted By

carriondead animalssmall vertebratesbirdsrodents

Repelled By

garlicchivesmarigoldspeppermint oil

Companion Planting

No specific companion plants are known to attract burying beetles. However, creating a diverse and healthy garden ecosystem that supports a variety of wildlife will indirectly support burying beetles by providing a potential source of carrion. Avoiding the use of broad-spectrum pesticides is crucial for their survival.