Black Sexton Beetle vs Bristly Tachinid Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Black Sexton Beetle Bristly Tachinid Fly
Scientific Name Necrophorus vespilloides Nowickia ferox
Order Coleoptera Diptera
Family Silphidae Tachinidae
Size 12-18 mm 12-16 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Carrion Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Black Sexton Beetle

A remarkable burying beetle that locates small animal carcasses using acute sense of smell. Pairs work together to bury the carcass as food for their larvae. Shows sophisticated biparental care.

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Did You Know?

Both parents feed their larvae mouth-to-mouth with pre-digested carrion, like birds feeding chicks.

Bristly Tachinid Fly

A large, heavily bristled tachinid fly with a gray-checkered pattern on the abdomen. It is conspicuously spiny and frequently visits flowers in late summer.

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Did You Know?

Its exceptionally long and stiff bristles are thought to help prevent birds from swallowing it.