1998 ESA North Central Branch Meeting Abstract
124 THE AMERICAN BURYING BEETLE: PORTRAIT OF AN ENDANGERED SPECIES? Jon C. Bedick, Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583-0816
The American burying beetle, Nicrophorus americanus was once widespread over eastern North America, with records from 35 states and three Canada provinces. Throughout this century the beetle experienced a dramatic decline. This decline prompted N. americanus to be listed as endangered in 1989. In that year it was found in only three widely separated locations in the extreme eastern and western portion of its former range (Rhode Island to the east and Nebraska, Oklahoma/Arkansas to the west). Since 1989 the species has been rediscovered in South Dakota and Kansas. Several populations proved to be large, over 500 individuals. The apparent increase of this "endangered species" has prompted many people to question its protected status. Nicrophorus americanus, like other beetles in the small genus of Nicrophorus, is attracted to carrion on which it feeds and rears its young. This beetle is the largest of the burying beetles in North America and its size has often been cited as a reason for its decline. In this symposium I give a brief historical overview this species emphasizing the many hypotheses and speculation that surround the species decline. I also address the increase of the American burying beetle and the implications for the management of the species. I conclude with a discussion of factors that may have defined the former range of N. americanus and may be relevant for its reintroduction.
This paper will be presented on Tuesday.
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