Carolina Grasshopper vs American Burying Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Carolina Grasshopper American Burying Beetle
Scientific Name Dissosteira carolina Nicrophorus americanus
Order Orthoptera Coleoptera
Family Acrididae Silphidae
Size 28-50 mm 25-35 mm
Habitat Grasslands Grasslands
Diet Herbivores Carrion Feeders
Regions North America North America
Conservation Least Concern Threatened

Carolina Grasshopper

A large band-winged grasshopper with black hindwings bordered by a pale yellow margin. It is commonly seen flying along roads and open paths in summer.

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Did You Know?

When startled into flight, it flashes its dark hindwings and produces a loud crackling sound to startle predators.

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.