Sexton beetle

Autumn sees the arrival of harsher weather and difficult living conditions in the natural world. A time of year when the old and the weak may succumb to disease and the cold.

Sexton beetles are an important part of the ecosystem, recycling the dead and redistributing nutrients through the earth.

More about the species

The sexton beetle, also known as the burying beetle, is 1–3cm long with a black head and body and club-like antennae. Some species have clear orange bands on their square-ish wing casings and orange 'bobbles' on the ends of their antennae.

There are over 60 species of sexton beetle, all characterised by their habit of burying small dead animals as a home and food store for their larvae.

The beetles are attracted by the sulphurous chemicals given off by carrion such as mice and birds. It is thought they may be able to detect it from over a mile away with their chemoreceptors. Individuals will fight over a carcass to secure it for their offspring.

Once a lone male has claimed a dead animal he climbs on top of it and gyrates to attract a mate. Together the pair dig beneath the carcass, excavating the soil and dragging the body deeper. They then skin and cut up the carcass, readying it for later consumption.

Once they have mated, the female drives off the male and lays her eggs, after which she feeds on the carrion, regurgitating the liquidised food and creating a crib for her offspring.

Sexton beetles carry mites that hitch a ride to carrion and feed on mouldy parts that would otherwise spoil the beetles' food.