Necrophila americana

[Amici Con Coleotteri]

Some carrion beetles and their young eating a dead frog. My girlfriend and I came across them hiking the Appalachian, and set up alongside them for a while to watch them feed. They were voracious and quite aware of our presence; we were "chased off" many times by a very persistent adult which, after we backed off, assaulted a slug that was getting a little too close for comfort. The whole scene was incredible and very comical, as I found them to be rather expressive.

 

[Lucanus]

Beautiful specimens there, and interesting observation. Thanks for sharing

Wish I had these guys in my area. Would love to collect a pair or two and keep them on rotting pork chops. lol

 

[Amici Con Coleotteri]

They're on my list amigo...i will keep you posted. Glad I'm not the only one thinking bout living with carrion!

 

[Lucanus]

They're on my list amigo...i will keep you posted. Glad I'm not the only one thinking bout living with carrion!

If you succeed in breeding them, please share some pics of their life cycle on this forum. It would make a great thread

 

[Amici Con Coleotteri]

Gladly! Not sure if you can make out the larva in that shot cuz man do they move!

 

[Lucanus]

Gladly! Not sure if you can make out the larva in that shot cuz man do they move!

You can always put one in refrigerator for about 5 min. to make it dormant so you can take pic of it

 

[Greatwun]

Nice find. I haven't seen these in the wild yet. Sounds like they are fast moving.

 

[Amici Con Coleotteri]

Yes! Very entertaining!