Nicrophorus orbicollis
In 3 days ~10% in a week ~20%
Nicrophorus orbicollis is a nearctic burying beetle first described by Thomas Say in 1825. It is a member of the genus Nicrophorus or sexton beetles, comprising the most common beetles in the family Silphidae. This species is a decomposer feeding on carcasses of small dead animals. N. orbicollis can be used for scientific research both medically and forensically (if the beetle is present in the area).
Nicrophorus orbicollis is immediately recognized by its colorful orange markings on its elytra. The dorsal surface of the elytra is covered in long, fine setae, especially laterally, giving it a hairy appearance. The pronotum is spherical with wide lateral and basal margins. Its most distinctive feature from other Silphidae is its clubbed antennae with three orange apical segments and a black base. The posterior lobe of the metepimeron has a few brown hairs and the hind tibia is straight. The adult form is moderately sized at about 15–22 mm (0.59–0.87 in) long. N. orbicollis is known to be a saprophagous feeder. The adults feed on protein from smaller decomposing carcasses as well as supply these nutrients to their larvae.
Larval N.orbicollis... Wikipedia →
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Great Smoky Mountains National Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 2 | Acadia National Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 3 | Shenandoah National Park | 🇺🇸 United States |
| # | City | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 2 | Montreal | 🇨🇦 Canada | |
| 3 | Toronto | 🇨🇦 Canada | |
| 4 | New York City | 🇺🇸 United States |
Rare
Under 5% of wildlife watchers report a Roundneck Sexton Beetle sighting in Washington on a given day, based on 14 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data. It is the 990th most-seen of the 1807 insects we can rate there. Over three days the chance rises to about 10%, and over a week to about 20%, if each day is a fresh chance.
Any time of year
In every month with enough records, under 5% of wildlife watchers report a Roundneck Sexton Beetle in Washington on a given day, so our monthly data shows no clear season.
Between 9 pm and midnight
Across all the parks we cover, that three-hour window holds the most Roundneck Sexton Beetle sightings with a recorded time, and about 7 in 10 of them come between 6 pm and 6 am: it is mostly seen at night.
Yes
Of the 4 cities where we can rate Roundneck Sexton Beetle sightings, Washington has the highest daily chance: under 5%. Next come Montreal (Canada, under 5%) and Toronto (Canada, under 5%).
GBIF citizen-science records
It is estimated from how often the Roundneck Sexton Beetle is recorded against all the insects logged in Washington (14 verified sightings), calibrated against known sighting rates. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10% because citizen-science data supports honest approximations, not decimals, and months with records from fewer than five people show "—". How it works.
