Silphinae
Guides
Necrodes surinamensis
Red-lined Carrion Beetle
Necrodes surinamensis, commonly known as the red-lined carrion beetle, is a species of carrion beetle in the family Staphylinidae (subfamily Silphinae). It is found throughout North America, with documented records across Canada and the United States. The species is associated with carrion and plays a role in decomposition processes.
Nicrophorus guttula
Yellow-bellied Burying Beetle
Nicrophorus guttula is a burying beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Russian entomologist Victor Motschulsky in 1845. The species is commonly known as the Yellow-bellied Burying Beetle and is found across western North America from Alaska to Mexico. It exhibits elaborate parental care behaviors, including burying small carcasses and cooperatively feeding larvae. Research at the Bodega Marine Reserve has examined how carcass moisture and competition affect its reproductive success.
Silphini
carrion beetles
Silphini is a tribe of large carrion beetles within the rove beetle family Staphylinidae, subfamily Silphinae. Members are worldwide distributed and characterized by their association with decomposing animal matter. The tribe comprises approximately 114 described species across 12 extant genera, including well-known genera such as Silpha, Thanatophilus, and Necrophila. Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed complex relationships within the tribe, with evidence that some historically recognized genera may render Silpha paraphyletic.