Silpha
| Silpha | |
|---|---|
 | |
| S. thoracica | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Coleoptera |
| Family: | Silphidae |
| Genus: | Silpha |
Silpha is a genus of the family Silphidae, or carrion beetles, formerly including several North American species. Members of the genus are sometimes called silphids. All North American silphid beetles are now reorganized in either the subfamily Nicrophorinae, with the only genus in North America being Nicrophorus, and subfamily Silphinae, including the genera Aclypea, Heterosilpha, Necrodes, Necrophila, Oiceoptoma, and Thanatophilus. The genus Oxelytrum is sometimes included due to a dubious Texas record, but to date has never been validated. While members of the genus Nicrophorus typically bury carrion for their larvae to feed upon, members of subfamily Silphinae lay their eggs directly on or in a blown carcass. This is because the larvae not only feed on the carrion, but also upon fly maggots. There are 30 species of silphids in North America North of Mexico.
References
- National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Insects & Spiders, Alfred A. Knopf (publisher), New York, 22nd printing Feb. 2004; p. 548-551.
- American beetles By Ross H. Arnett, Michael Charles Thomas p. 268