The American carrion beetle is new to me but apparently not uncommon when carcasses are available. A dead bird lay on the ground near my house recently. First, flies began the decomposition process and I assumed maggots (larval stage of flies) would appear in abundance within a few days. However, a couple of American carrion beetles showed up, bugs i have never seen before, and the eat not only the fleas of the dead animal but also maggots. Interesting lesson on the decomposition process and the critters involved. Interesting look, huh?
