Nitidula flavomaculata

Rossi, 1790

Yellow-spotted Nitidula, Yellow-spotted Sap Beetle

Nitidula flavomaculata is a sap-feeding beetle in the Nitidulidae. Native to the Mediterranean Region, it has become naturalized in North America. The is strongly associated with later stages of decay in mammalian corpses, making it valuable for forensic investigations. Its presence on carrion distinguishes it from many other sap beetles that feed primarily on plant exudates, pollen, or fungi.

Nitidula flavomaculata by (c) Andrew Meeds, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Andrew Meeds. Used under a CC-BY license.Nitidula flavomaculata by (c) Andrew Meeds, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Andrew Meeds. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Nitidula flavomaculata: /nɪˈtɪdʊlə flævoʊˌmækjuˈlɑːtə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Distribution

Native to the Mediterranean Region; naturalized in North America. Records also indicate presence in Africa and Europe & Northern Asia (excluding China).

Diet

Associated with later stages of decay in mammalian corpses.

Ecological Role

Carrion decomposer; contributes to the breakdown of mammalian remains in later stages of decomposition.

Human Relevance

Used in forensic investigations to help determine post-mortem intervals based on its predictable association with specific stages of corpse decay.

Similar Taxa

  • Nitidula ziczacBoth are Nitidula associated with carrion, but N. ziczac is smaller (3-5 mm), found primarily in western North America from Great Plains westward, and has a distinct zigzag pattern on .

Tags

Sources and further reading