Nicrophorus (Nicrophorus) vespillo (Linnaeus, 1758)
Family: Staphylinidae
The adult is medium-sized 12 - 22 mm. It has a stocky body, a shiny black protonum which is densely hairy in front. It has a conspicuous orange-black pattern on the elytra (two large orange spots with black cut-outs). The hind tibiae are curved inwards towards the end. The short antennae end in a mallet, the last 3 segments of which are yellow-red.
Imago are active mainly from spring to late summer (April to September). It seeks open and semi-open habitats such as meadows, fields, forest edges or gardens. It is less common deep in forests. Prefers soils where small carrion can be buried. In the Czech Republic, the species is assessed as abundant and commonly observed. It is also widely distributed in Europe, from the British Isles across the continent to eastern Siberia. It is also found in North America.
Adults and larvae use the carcasses of small vertebrates (small mammals, birds, etc.) - species of the genus Nicrophorus seek out and bury small carcasses which serve as food for the larvae. Adults may use other food sources (nectar, small invertebrates), but only carrion is a reproductive source. Two generations are produced in one year.
Picture source: Schmidt, 2009
