I need a site to identify this bug- Pests?

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My son was cleaning out in the yard and found a dead shrew which the dog had killed a few days ago. There are some very interesting Beetles feasting on this critter. Black body w/ a yellow head. There is a black mark on the head also. I don't recall seeing one like it before. The beetles are actually moving the carcuss of this shrew.

Does anyone know of a good site for bugs that may have a picture to compare to these citters? Thanks.

-- John in S. IN (jsmengel@hotmail.com), June 16, 2001

Answers

Hi, I have also seen this bug and it really creeped me out the way they were so powerful in their numbers. I would be interested in knowing what it is. I always get leary when I see one around I wonder where all their buddies are and what is dead? Yuck....Karole

-- Karole (Biz3boymom@aol.com), June 16, 2001.

This could be a Tiger Beetle. Without seeing it is hard to tell. They are usually bright colors,w/ nervous active. Have large eyes, and long "hairy" legs. Go to the scearch engine and type in "predatory beetles or insects. Let us know!!

-- Debbie T in N.C. (rdtyner@mindspring.com), June 16, 2001.

Here in this part of Maine we call them "carrion beetles". Don't know what the technical name is!

-- Marcia (HrMr@webtv.net), June 16, 2001.

That's what they are alright, Carrion beetles. They eat decomposing animal and plant matter and they will move or bury small dead animals.

-- April (atobias@yahoo.com), June 16, 2001.

It is "SILPHA AMERICANUS" I did a search using carrion beetle and came up w/ a bunch of web sites and pictures. Interestingly, there were several different beetles that go by the name of carrion beetle. I can see where the "Tiger Beetle" name would be appropriate for the ones w/ the orange stripes.

For a not real good picture go to:

http//entweb.clemson.edu/museum/beetles/local/btle12.htm

Thanks again, using only the word beetle at any of the search engines gives you an instant overload of info!

-- John in S. IN (jsmengel@hotmail.com), June 17, 2001.



OK, I couldn't copy and paste that addy and get it to go anywhere........Then I realized I left out the : after http in the address. So, try this instead- maybe. My typing skills leave a lot of room for improvment.

http://entweb.clemson.edu/museum/beetles/local/btle12.htm

-- John in S. IN (jsmengel@hotmail.com), June 17, 2001.


This site has a lot of very useful message boards with everything about gardening - one on pests and little beasts!

www.gardenweb.com



-- kelly (kellytree@hotmail.com), June 18, 2001.

I had a bug in my yard last year that was very strange looking (irridescent hot pink), had no wings but looked like a bee. I sent my description by e-mail to several universities to their entomologist department and several of them responded right away and not only told me what it was but returned a picture with their e-mail so I could confirm it. I was very impressed with their quick responses. Just a thought if you ever need to find out what a bug is in the future.

-- Colleen (pyramidgreatdanes@erols.com), June 18, 2001.

Thanks for the tips. This may come in handy as I have been seeing a lot of critters that I don't remember seeing before. Could it be I wasn't paying attention before? Naaaah!

-- John in S. IN (jsmengel@hotmail.com), June 19, 2001.

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