Carrion Beetle
Scientific name: Ptomaphila perlata
Click to enlarge image
Carrion Beetle, Ptomaphila perlata with a maggot in its jaws.
Image: R. Major
© Australian Museum
© Australian Museum
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Ptomaphila
- Species
- perlata
- Subfamily
- Silphinae
- Family
- Silphidae
- Super Family
- Staphylinoidea
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Class
- Insecta
- Subphylum
- Uniramia
- Phylum
- Arthopoda
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- 1.8 cm - 2.5 cm
Introduction
The Carrion Beetle is a large and conspicuous member of the family Silphidae.
Habitat
The Carrion Beetle lives in urban areas, forests and woodlands, heath and intertidal areas.
Distribution
The Carrion Beetle is found throughout eastern Australia.
Distribution data sourced from the Atlas of Living Australia
Feeding and diet
The adults and larvae feed on fly maggots and the rotting flesh of animals. Road-killed animal carcasses often have Carrion Beetles in or on them.
Other behaviours and adaptations
Adult Carrion Beetles are commonly attracted to lights.
