Cycle of Life: Going Back to the Earth

[centrarchid]

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.

 

[centrarchid]

Carcass starting to bloat by 36 hours.

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.

 

[Hybridchucks]

eeeeeeeeewwwwwwwww

 

[Farmgal101]

View attachment 1057899 View attachment 1057901 View attachment 1057902 View attachment 1057903 View attachment 1057907

Great educational idea.

 

[centrarchid]

Great educational idea.Are you interested in any easter egger chickens I have some for sell.

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.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Interesting Centra.

Sounds like you have your plate full...maybe start an animal body farm in Missouri similar to the (human) body farm in Tennessee

 

[centrarchid]

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.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I found this....do you see any mites on those Carrion Beetles http://beneficialbugs.org/bugs/Carrion Beetle/Carrion_Beetle.htm

 

[centrarchid]

I saw what appeared to be mites on the ventral side of the American Burying Beetle. Others I could nothing on.

 

[centrarchid]