Black Sexton Beetle vs Owl Midge

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Black Sexton Beetle Owl Midge
Scientific Name Necrophorus vespilloides Clogmia albipunctata
Order Coleoptera Diptera
Family Silphidae Psychodidae
Size 12-18 mm 2-5 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Carrion Feeders Omnivores
Regions Europe, Asia Cosmopolitan
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.

Owl Midge

A small fuzzy moth-like fly found in bathrooms and drains worldwide. Its larvae feed on gelatinous films of bacteria inside drainage pipes.

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Did You Know?

Despite living in unsanitary conditions, it is not known to transmit any diseases to humans.