Reproduction
Information on the reproduction
of Necrophila americana
is scarce and therefore the information provided below is
about the more general genus Necrophila, not the specific
species Necrophila
americana.
In the genus Necrophila,
reproduction takes place at the site of a carcass. Eggs are then
laid on or around the carcass where the eggs hatch and begin to feed
on the dead organic matter. The only condition that is required for
reproduction is the presence of a carcass otherwise reproduction
will not occur
(Brown and Wilson, 1992).
Also, it is known that the genus
Necrophila become most active between the months of May and August.
The beetles during this time period search for carcasses that are
suitable to lay their eggs and also being to search for a mate
(Raffa and Werner, 2003).
Above: The above photo is a picture of the American carrion beetles larva. Also visible in the picture are mites that live among the beetle.