The American Burying Beetle is the largest carrion beetle in North America and is critically endangered, now persisting in only a handful of isolated populations. A pair of adults works together to bury a small carcass, on which the female lays eggs; they then guard and feed the larvae in an example of biparental care rare among insects. Its striking pattern of orange and black blotches stands out among carrion beetles.
Best time to see a American Burying Beetle
The best time to see a American Burying Beetle is July–August, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 118 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a American Burying Beetle? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent American Burying Beetle sightings near you
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