Margined Carrion Beetle

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Oiceoptoma noveboracense: /ɔɪsɛɒptəʊmə ˌnɒvɛbɔːˈrɑːsɛns/

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Summary

Oiceoptoma noveboracense, commonly known as the margined carrion beetle, is a carrion beetle found primarily in deciduous forests across the Northeastern United States to the Rocky Mountains. It plays a significant role in forensic entomology by assisting in the estimation of post-mortem intervals due to its feeding habits on carrion.

Physical Characteristics

Adults average 10.0-13.5 mm in length. The pronotum has bright orange-red margins with a dark-brown to black center. The elytra are reddish brown to black with a distinctive tooth at the shoulder and vertical ridges. The apex of the elytra is rounded in males and more tapered in females. Larvae are light brown to red, flat, and trilobite-like in appearance, capable of moving during development.

Identification Tips

Look for the orange-red margins on the pronotum and the distinctive tooth at the shoulder of the elytra. The size and coloration can help differentiate it from similar species.

Habitat

Primarily found in deciduous forests but can also inhabit grasslands and occasionally marshes susceptible to seasonal flooding.

Distribution

From the Atlantic coast of the Northeastern United States extending west to the Rocky Mountains, with possible occurrences as far south as Texas.

Diet

Adults often consume fly larvae (maggots) on carrion, while larvae feed on carrion and sometimes decaying fungi.

Life Cycle

Oiceoptoma noveboracense is diurnal and produces one generation per year. Mating occurs in spring, and it takes about forty-five days from mating to adult emergence.

Reproduction

Males grasp the antennae of the females during mating efforts, which can take a significant amount of time. Eggs are laid in carrion for the larvae to feed on post-hatching.

Ecosystem Role

As a carrion feeder, it plays a role in the decomposition process and nutrient cycling and is important in forensic entomology for estimating post-mortem intervals.

Health Concerns

Potentially harbors opportunistic bacterial pathogens in its gut that may pose risks under certain conditions.

Collecting Methods

• Trapping near carrion sources
• Hand collecting during diurnal activity

Preservation Methods

• Ethanol preservation
• Drying specimens in a cool, dry environment

Evolution

The genus Oiceoptoma was described by William Elford Leach in 1815. The specific name refers to New York, the location of the type specimen.

Similar Taxa

• Other members of the Silphidae family
• Other carrion beetle species

Misconceptions

Some confuse Oiceoptoma noveboracense with similar-looking beetle species.

Tags

• Oiceoptoma noveboracense
• Carrion beetle
• Forensic entomology
• Silphidae