Black Sexton Beetle vs March Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Black Sexton Beetle March Fly
Scientific Name Necrophorus vespilloides Bibio marci
Order Coleoptera Diptera
Family Silphidae Bibionidae
Size 12-18 mm 10-13 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Carrion Feeders Detritivores
Regions Europe, Asia Europe
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.

March Fly

A common black fly that swarms in large numbers around Saint Marks Day in April.

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Did You Know?

Mating pairs fly joined together with the smaller male dangling beneath the female.