Necrophila americana (Linnaeus)

Description: This beetle ranges from 12.0 to 24.0 mm in size. The identifying characters of this beetle are the large eyes, long black body, and transverse row of red orange spots along the posterior edge of the elytra.

Similar Species: This species is unlikely to be confused with any other.

Range: Occurs across the eastern half of the United States and southern Canada. It occurs throughout Nebraska but appears to be scarce in the panhandle.

Notes: This beetle is primarily nocturnal in its searching behavior, but will feed continuously once a carcass is located. These beetles appear to be attracted to larger carcasses. In Nebraska, these beetles become active in their search behavior as early as April and remain active until November. This beetle appears to be a habitat generalist, displaying no known affinity for habitat or soil type.