Other Common Names
Crusader Carrion Beetle (Jaeger, 1859)
Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Silpha americana.
Identification
Distinctive: large, with mostly yellow pronotum.
Oiceoptoma noveboracensis is similar, but smaller (14 mm), and has more of a cross-shaped dark mark on pronotum that goes all the way to the base
(1).
In flight, with its yellow pronotum and black body, this species rather resembles a bumblebee (Bombus) or Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa). (Personal observation, P. Coin, Durham, North Carolina, 5/5/04.) Ratcliffe, p. 33, states the beetle mimics a cuckoo-bee, Psithyrus ashtoni.
Range
North America east of Rockies
(2)Habitat
Prefers "marshy and forested areas".
(3)Season
Spring-early fall. March-September (Nebraska), reported April-July (North Carolina)
Food
Adults consume fly larvae (maggots) at carrion, as well as some carrion.
Life Cycle
Diurnal, not found at lights (but see comments
here). Found on carrion and decaying fungi. Larvae eat carrion, larvae of flies and other carrion beetles. Eggs are laid singly on or near carrion. They prefer larger carrion, Milne
(4) states "rat-sized or larger". Larvae hatch in a few days, feed in or under carcass, and pupate in a nearby soil cell. Larvae may prefer dried skin, bits of flesh after maggots have departed. Adults overwinter.
(4) (3)Remarks
Formerly listed as Silpha americana.
Print References
Dillon, p. 177, Plate XXIX
(1)
White, p. 120, plate 2.
(5)
Milne, p. 550, figure 174
(4)
Papp, pp. 71-72, figure 224
(2)
Arnett, p. 130, fig. 322
(6)
Ratcliffe, pp. 32-34, fig. 57
(3)
Marshall, photos 303.1-2, adult and larva
(7)
Internet References
Insects of Cedar Creek has an informative page on genus
Silpha, with illustrations of several species.
Insects of Quebec has a page with good photos of specimens.
Animal Diversity Web--click on
Pictures tab to see photos.
Contributed by
Cotinis on 6 September, 2004 - 9:53am
Additional contributions by
Tony ThomasLast updated 5 November, 2006 - 5:57am