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Scientific Name Nicrophorus pustulatus Identification This species has a much reduced elytral pattern and in Alberta is the only species with an all black elytral epipleuron. The metasternal pubescence behind the mesocoxae is much reduced to form a bald patch. Life History

The breeding habits of pustulatus are unusual. Adults rarely come to carrion although larvae can be reared on this. In the eastern U.S. the larvae of this species have been found developing on the eggs of certain…

The breeding habits of pustulatus are unusual. Adults rarely come to carrion although larvae can be reared on this. In the eastern U.S. the larvae of this species have been found developing on the eggs of certain snakes. However, in Alberta snakes are viviparous. So what it develops on here is a mystery.

Read More + Range This is an eastern species that extends northwest to central Alberta along the northern edge of the prairies. Notes Meaning of name: "marked with pustules." It refers to the red spots on the elytra of this species.