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Home » Guide » Arthropods (Arthropoda) » Hexapods (Hexapoda) » Insects (Insecta) » Beetles (Coleoptera) » Polyphaga » Series Staphyliniformia » Staphylinoidea » Carrion Beetles (Silphidae) » Sexton Beetles (Nicrophorus) » Black Burying Beetle (Nicrophorus nigrita)
Photo#188637
DSCF6376.jpg - Nicrophorus nigrita
Copyright © 2008 Dick Wilson

DSCF6376.jpg - Nicrophorus nigrita
Bay Center 98527 Willapa, Pacific County, Washington, USA
June 7, 2008
OK for beetle but how about the little 'bugs' which appeared from under the carapace. Are they parasites? young? ... I tried to put eight legs on them but was not sure ... ID welcome on both
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Contributed by Dick Wilson on 7 June, 2008 - 1:37pm
Last updated 3 August, 2008 - 11:57pm

Moved
Moved from Beetles.
… John R. Maxwell, 3 August, 2008 - 11:57pm login or register to post comments

No doubt mites
We see mite-laden beetles here from time to time. Although they might be parasitic, usually they're phoretic- "hitchhikers". Presumably the beetles haven't developed ways to get rid of them because they're a nuisance at worst and beneficial at best- the critters they eat are sometimes the sort that would harm the beetles or their eggs.
… Chuck Entz, 7 June, 2008 - 1:52pm login or register to post comments

 
Thanks Chuck,
I had thought them to be commensal mites but was not certain. Any idea of the taxonomic position of the beetle?
… Dick Wilson, 7 June, 2008 - 4:13pm login or register to post comments

 
Not an ID but maybe
Nicrophorus nigrita (Black Burying Beetle)?
… John R. Maxwell, 7 June, 2008 - 4:32pm login or register to post comments

 
Yes
I confirm John's ID, only other choice with all black elytra is a melanistic Nicrophorus guttula which would still have little orange spots on the rolled over shoulders of the elytra (epipleuron).
… Guy A. Hanley, 9 June, 2008 - 9:03am login or register to post comments

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