Roundneck Sexton Beetle - Nicrophorus orbicollis
*Sadly, I didn't get any good shots of this beetle. It insisted on resting in awkward spots and was covered in mites. I considered moving it so I could get a shot, but honestly, I didn't want to touch it.
TL: ~25 mm. Shiny black burying beetle with a nearly circular pronotum, orange antennal club, and a distinct pattern of orange splotches on the elytra. Underside has brown pubescence. Hosts: Carrion
Habitat: Attracted to a 395 nm LED light in a semi-rural area
''Nicrophorus orbicollis'' is a nearctic burying beetle first described by Thomas Say in 1825. It is a member of the genus ''Nicrophorus'' or sexton beetles, comprising the most common beetles in the family Silphidae. This species is a decomposer feeding on carcasses of small dead animals. ''N. orbicollis'' can be used for scientific research both medically and forensically.
