American Carrion Beetle

Found in forests, grasslands, and marshes across North America, typically near decaying organic matter or fungi.

Both adults and larvae feed on carrion (dead animals) and fly larvae (maggots) that inhabit the carcasses.

Diurnal insects that are active during the day. They have a strong sense of smell to locate carcasses quickly, where they mate and lay eggs. The presence of adults can help control fly populations on a carcass.

Beneficial to the ecosystem as decomposers that help recycle nutrients back into the soil; they pose no risk to humans or healthy plants.