Endangered Burying Beetles Released at The Wilds

Wildlife staff in southeast Ohio recently had the opportunity to help with a release of Federally Endangered American Burying Beetles at The Wilds. Burying beetles are unusual in that both the male and female take part in raising the young. A mated pair of beetles will bury an animal carcass to provide food for their hatching larvae. When the larvae emerge as adults, they will feed on small dead animals and fly up to two miles in search of food, thus playing an important role in nutrient recycling.

The American burying beetle, also commonly referred to as a carrion beetle, was once distributed throughout Ohio, but was listed as a state and federally endangered species in 1989. Since then, efforts continued in the reintroduction of this species in Ohio. By working with partners like The Wilds, OSU, and the Cincinnati Zoo, captive colonies of the beetles have been established. Releases of captive-reared beetles occurs annually.

Learn more about American Burying Beetles:  http://ow.ly/4UqS30dDN02