Northern Carrion Beetle
Thanatophilus lapponicus
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Polyphaga
- Superfamily: Staphylinoidea
- Family: Silphidae
- Tribe: Silphini
- Genus: Thanatophilus
- Species: lapponicus
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Thanatophilus lapponicus: /θænəˈtɒfɪləs læˈpɒnɪkəs/
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Summary
Thanatophilus lapponicus, known as the northern carrion beetle, is a species of carrion beetle in the family Silphidae. It plays an important role in the decomposition process in various ecosystems by feeding on carrion.
Physical Characteristics
9-14 mm long, black color, pronotum sometimes with yellowish hairs. Each elytron has four ridges (costae), with distinctive warty bumps (tubercles) in intervals between ridges.
Identification Tips
Look for the distinctive warty bumps on the elytra and the four ridges present.
Habitat
Open areas, typically near carrion.
Distribution
Found in North America (from NA to WI), Europe, and Northern Asia (excluding China).
Diet
Adults feed on carrion, presumably carrion of reptiles and amphibians such as frogs, toads, and snakes, as well as fly larvae present on carrion.
Life Cycle
Two generations per year, even in temperate areas; adults of second generation overwinter.
Ecosystem Role
Scavenger species, playing a role in the decomposition of carrion.
Tags
- carrion beetle
- Thanatophilus lapponicus
- Silphidae
- decomposition
- scavenger