We are watching a raccoon carcass put out on carcass two days ago. Kids are watching the progression of breakdown. We assumed Turkey Vultures or Bald Eagle would get to work on the carcass but looks like a crew of smaller and nastier will lead effort.
Areas here fluids are coming out are particularly attractive to what I think are multiple species of Blow Fly. I am taking sex variation into account.
There is a very aggressive carrion beetles that looks a Rover Beetle. Size variation is extreme. They appear to eat the fly eggs and clearly eat the adult flies. I suspect I am missing something big time about how they do their job.
This guy stays hidden.
The beetles look a little like Fire Flies. Will find out who they are.
One black and orange Carrion Beetle also noted but it would not sit for photographs.
Thank you for the offer but no. My resources tied into games, American Dominiques and Missouri Dominiques as part of a long-term breeding project. Cannot do any more.
Beetles appear to be eating the flies and larvae (rover looking beetles) or larvae (firefly looking beetles). The rover looking beetles appear to cherry pick for larger larvae and periodically move away from the carcass, possibly provisioning their own offspring?
Both species mating. The rover beetles are frequently aggressive to each other.
