Necrophagy
Guides
Amara alpina
Amara alpina is an arctic-alpine ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Gustaf von Paykull in 1790. It inhabits cold regions at high altitudes and high latitudes across the Holarctic, with populations in Scandinavia, Siberia, Mongolia, Alaska, and Canada. Molecular genetic evidence indicates that Beringian populations persisted throughout the Pleistocene, while other regions were recolonized following glacial retreat. The species has been observed feeding on dead insects on snowfields and is associated with specific alpine vegetation.
Chrysomyinae
blow flies
Chrysomyinae is a subfamily of blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) distinguished by a setose stem vein. The subfamily includes approximately 11 genera, with some groups endemic to the Neotropical region and others exhibiting broader distributions. Members are primarily necrophagous and hold significant forensic importance as indicators for estimating time of colonization and post-mortem intervals. The Neotropical lineage likely originated during the Middle Miocene, with subsequent dispersal to Nearctic and Paleotropical regions.
Necrophila
carrion beetles
Necrophila is a genus of carrion beetles in the family Silphidae, comprising approximately 20 species distributed primarily across Asia and India, with a single North American species, N. americana. The genus name derives from Greek roots meaning 'attracted to corpses,' reflecting their ecological association with decomposing animal matter. These beetles are significant forensic indicators and play important roles in carrion decomposition and nutrient cycling.
Necrophila americana
American Carrion Beetle
Necrophila americana is a North American carrion beetle in the family Silphidae. Adults and larvae feed on decomposing animal flesh and also prey on fly larvae that compete for the same resources. Unlike burying beetles in the genus Nicrophorus, this species does not bury carcasses. Adults have been observed at sap flows on oak trees and in fermenting bait traps. The species has been documented in forensic entomology contexts due to its predictable association with decomposing remains.
Oxelytrum
carrion beetles
Oxelytrum is a genus of carrion beetles in the family Silphidae, containing approximately 10 described species distributed primarily in South America. Members are characterized by three distinct ridges on each elytron, a hairless pronotal disk, and 3-segmented antennal clubs. Most species are nocturnal and associated with decomposing animal remains. The genus has forensic significance due to predictable colonization patterns on carcasses.
Phrynidae
Phrynid Tailless Whipscorpions, whip spiders, tailless whip scorpions
Phrynidae is a family of amblypygid arachnids found in tropical and subtropical regions of North and South America. The family includes approximately 65 described species across five extant genera: Acanthophrynus, Heterophrynus, Paraphrynus, Phrynus, and the extinct genus †Britopygus. Species occupy diverse habitats including forests, caves, and subterranean environments. All species are nocturnal. Genetic studies indicate substantial cryptic diversity, with some nominal species likely comprising dozens of distinct lineages.
Sarcophaga nearctica
Sarcophaga nearctica is a species of flesh fly in the family Sarcophagidae, a group of necrophagous flies frequently encountered in forensic entomology contexts. Like other members of its genus, it is attracted to decomposing organic matter including carrion. The species was described by Parker in 1916. Flesh flies in this family are distinguished by their reproductive strategy of larviparity (depositing live larvae rather than eggs) and their characteristic thoracic pattern of black and gray stripes.
Synthesiomyia nudiseta
Synthesiomyia nudiseta is a large muscid fly (7–10 mm) and the sole species in its genus. It is necrophagous and facultatively predatory, with larvae known to consume other necrophagous fly larvae including Chrysomya rufifacies and C. albiceps. The species is forensically significant due to its predictable life cycle and tendency to pupate in confined locations near carcasses, such as within clothing. Originally tropical and subtropical in distribution, it has established in southwestern Europe (Spain, Italy, Portugal) and occurs in the southern United States.
Thanatophilus
carrion beetles, silky carrion beetles
Thanatophilus is a genus of approximately 12 described species of carrion beetles in the family Silphidae. These beetles are primarily necrophagous, feeding on decaying animal matter. They occupy the Holarctic and Afrotropical realms and are frequently detected on large carrion, including human remains. Several species are forensically important for estimating time of colonization and post-mortem intervals.