Sighting a Red-lined Carrion Beetle means a rotting bird or mammal is nearby, hosting the beetle's favorite food: maggots.
Shiny black wing coverings (elytra) on the Red-lined Carrion Beetle have ridges that run the length of them. A single red band of color crosses both elytra near the bottom of the beetle. The diet of this species is special. The Red-lined Carrion Beetle can be found feasting on the maggots that cover rotting carcasses. Like the decaying creature the fly larvae feed on, the Red-Lined Carrion Beetle also has a foul odor. This may protect it from predators. It is attracted to lights at night and may congregate on illuminated porches. It is active from spring through most of autumn. Adults survive winter by going underground or taking shelter to avoid the cold and frost.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Arthropoda
Class:Insecta
Order:Coleoptera
Family:Silphidae
Genus:Necrodes
Species:surimanensis
Identifying Information
Scientific Name: Necrodes surimanensis
Category:
Beetle
Size (Adult; Length): 12mm to 25mm (0.47in to 0.98in)
Note: An insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above as they are driven by environmental factors (such as climate change), available food supplies and mating patterns. Grayed-out selections indicate that the subject in question has not been reported in that particular territory. U.S. states and Canadian provinces / territories are clickable to their respective bug listings.
Beetle Anatomy
1
Antennae: Beetles have a pair of antennae on the head used as sensors.
2
Head: The head is home to the insect's eyes, antennae, and mandibles (jaws).
3
Thorax: Holds the three pairs of legs as well as vital internal organs.
4
Elytron: One of two wing cases on a Beetle that protects its wings (plural: elytra).
5
Wings: Appendages used for flying and kept under the elytra until needed.
6
Abdomen: Houses organs related to circulation, reproduction, and excretion.
7
Legs: Beetles have three pairs of legs located at the thorax, numbering six legs in all.
Colors: black, orange, red
