Silpha

Silpha is a genus of the family Silphidae, or Carrion Beetles. The two major species found in North America are the American Carrion Beetle ("S. americana") and the Northern Carrion Beetle ("S. lapponica"). While members of the genus "Nicrophorus" typically bury carrion for their larvae to feed upon, members of genus "Silpha" lay their eggs directly on or in a blown carcass. This is because "Silpha" larvae not only feed on the carrion, but also upon fly maggots.

See National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Insects & Spiders, Alfred A. Knopf (publisher), New York, 22nd printing Feb. 2004; p.548-551.