Bug FAQNicrophorus nepalensis
Nicrophorus nepalensis · Order: Coleoptera · Family: Staphylinidae
Adult Nicrophorus nepalensis are shiny black beetles with four orange scalloped markings on each elytron and orange-tipped antennae. They range from about 3.6 mm to 7.0 mm in pronotal width and live in cool, high-elevation habitats across mountainous eastern Asia to the Malay Archipelago. These beetles act as decomposers and show biparental care of their offspring.
Source: Wikipedia
How to recognize it
The body is glossy black with four separate orange, scalloped spots on each wing cover and black dots on the front and rear bands. Antennae have a black base and end in a club of three orange segments.
Source: Wikipedia
Size
Adults measure between 3.6 mm and 7.0 mm in pronotal width, with males and females the same size.
Source: Wikipedia
Where it lives
They move up and down elevation gradients to stay within their preferred temperature range. In tropical regions they are usually found at high, cool elevations but can also occur lower where they tolerate warmth.
Source: Wikipedia
What it eats
They function as decomposers, helping recycle organic material in ecosystems.
Source: Wikipedia
Life cycle
Both parents care for the young, a behavior that distinguishes them from many other beetles. Parental involvement lessens as the offspring mature.
Source: Wikipedia
Where it comes from
Their core range is the mountainous zones of eastern Asia and the Malay Archipelago, spanning roughly 73°E to 149°E and 51°N to about 10°S.
Source: Wikipedia
More photos
Questions people ask
How can I identify Nicrophorus nepalensis?
Look for a glossy black beetle with four orange scalloped spots on each wing cover and antennae that end in three orange segments; adults are 3.6 to 7.0 mm wide.
Source: Wikipedia
Where is Nicrophorus nepalensis found?
It lives in mountainous areas of eastern Asia and the Malay Archipelago, from Pakistan eastward to Papua New Guinea and from Russia down to the equatorial region.
Source: Wikipedia
What role does Nicrophorus nepalensis play in the ecosystem?
It acts as a decomposer, breaking down dead material, and both parents care for their young.
Source: Wikipedia
Same family (Staphylinidae)
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Sources
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicrophorus_nepalensis
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Text written 2026-10-23 from the sources above and checked sentence by sentence against them. Data fetched 2026-10-23.