Nicrophorus marginatus 

Nicrophorus marginatus is also known as the margined burying beetle. It is the most widely distributed species in the genus. They have strong mandibles that specialize in cutting, burying, and tearing away decaying organic matter. Males compete with one another for mates by fighting over carrion that the winner will then prepare for the female by creating a burrow that houses the decaying flesh. The female will arrive at the burrow and mate with the male. After the female lays her eggs the male typically leaves the burrow and guards the area. 

Order: Coleoptera
Family: Silphidae
Species: Nicrophorus marginatus

Photograph: © 2016 RKD Peterson
Date of Photograph: 22 June 2016
Location: Montana, Gallatin Co. (45^o43'41" N 111^o08'11" W)