Meet the Gravedigger of the Animal Kingdom

The American burying beetle is known for burying carcasses to feed its young. It detects rotting meat using chemical receptors in its antennae and travels long distances to find food. Both male and female beetles work together to bury a corpse and care for their larvae, a rare behavior in insects. Once widespread across the US, the beetle is now found in only six states and is listed as endangered. Conservation efforts are ongoing, but the beetle's future remains uncertain.

What is the primary diet of the American burying beetle?

• Fresh fruits

• Small decomposing animals

• Live insects

• Plant leaves

What unique feature do the antennae of the American burying beetle possess?

• They glow in the dark

• They have strong chemical receptors

• They are longer than their body

• They can detect sound

How do American burying beetles care for their offspring?

• The young are left to fend for themselves

• Only the male tends to the young

• Both parents tend to the young

• Only the female tends to the young

In how many states is the American burying beetle currently found?

• 10 states

• 20 states

• 35 states

• 6 states

When was the American burying beetle listed as endangered?

• 1989

• 2000

• 2010

• 1975