Black Sexton Beetle vs Powdered Fungus Beetle of Azores

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Black Sexton Beetle Powdered Fungus Beetle of Azores
Scientific Name Necrophorus vespilloides Tarphius floresensis
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Silphidae Zopheridae
Size 12-18 mm 0.2-0.4 cm
Habitat Underground Forests
Diet Carrion Feeders Fungus Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia Portugal
Conservation Least Concern Critically Endangered

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.

Powdered Fungus Beetle of Azores

A tiny beetle endemic to Flores Island in the Azores. It inhabits decaying wood in remnant laurel forests.

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Did You Know?

The Azores archipelago has lost over 95% of its native forest, pushing many endemic beetles toward extinction.