Sniffing out a Corpse by Enmos

Photography • Macro • posted on Jul 24, 2004

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Description

Thanks for viewing ! Comments are welcome... This is a Sexton beetle, also called burrying beetles, the scientific name is Necrophorus interruptus. Named after their grave-digging habits, the sexton beetles bury dead animals to provide food for their young. They locate these animals by scent using their strangely-shaped antennae, and excavate beneath the carcase until its underground. Once the animal is buried, the female lays her eggs near the carcase. During their early days the larvae are fed by the female with regurgitated meat from the carcase. Later they are able to feed themselves. After consuming the carcase, and completing their three metamorphoses, the larvae pupate under it or nearby. N. interruptus is about 18-22 mm long. I found the information at www.photo-tech.co.uk. I couldnt find anything about the little parasites that are on its body however... any help ? Hope you like and that you arent too digusted by now LOL Thanks for all your wonderful comments on my last upload, "Opening up" !! Many thanks, Enmos

Comments (39)

sheilakalajdzic

1:04AM | Sun, 25 July 2004

Ewww! Yuck!! I'm not inclined to stay for dinner either!!!! Anyway, I can't believe these guys are so strong!!!! Really amazing bugs!!! Anyway, I love this image! A very unusual looking speciman! Excellent capture & thanks for the info! I love learning about these guys! Vote!

redpill

3:29AM | Sun, 25 July 2004

Excellent sharp work!!! Nice detail!

pimpol

10:39AM | Sun, 25 July 2004

Fabulous macro and fabulous comment, thanks for sharing ! Vote !

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