Burying beetles or
sexton beetles (
genus Nicrophorus) are the best-known members of the family Silphidae (
carrion beetles). Most of these
beetles are black with red markings on the
elytra (forewings). Burying beetles are true to their name—they bury the carcasses of small vertebrates such as
birds and
rodents as a food source for their larvae. They are unusual among insects in that both the male and female parents take
care of the brood.