American Burying Beetle vs Chrysanthemum Lace Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute American Burying Beetle Chrysanthemum Lace Bug
Scientific Name Nicrophorus americanus Corythucha marmorata
Order Coleoptera Hemiptera
Family Silphidae Tingidae
Size 25-35 mm 3-4 mm
Habitat Grasslands Grasslands
Diet Carrion Feeders Herbivores
Regions North America North America
Conservation Threatened Least Concern

American Burying Beetle

The largest carrion beetle in North America, once widespread but now reduced to less than 10% of its historic range. Both parents cooperate in burying small animal carcasses for their larvae.

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Did You Know?

Burying beetle parents are among the most devoted insect parents — both mother and father feed their larvae pre-digested carrion, respond to begging calls, and defend the brood.

Chrysanthemum Lace Bug

A small lace bug with mottled brown and white lace-patterned wings that feeds on chrysanthemums, goldenrod, and asters. It is widespread in North America. Heavy feeding produces a bleached, stippled appearance on leaves.

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Did You Know?

Like all lace bugs, the nymphs lack the elaborate wing structures of adults and instead appear as small, dark, spiny creatures that look nothing like their parents.