Silpha lapponica

Silpha lapponica is a carrion beetle. Each elytron, or wing cover, has four distinct ridges with warty bumps, or tubercles, in the empty space between each pair of ridges. The adult feeds on carrion and fly larvae that are also feeding on carrion. The larva also feeds on carrion. There are typically two generations per year. The second generation of adults overwinter until reproduction can begin the following spring. 

Order: Coleoptera
Family: Silphidae
Species: Silpha lapponica

Photograph: © 2003 RKD Peterson
Date of Photograph: 15 June 2003
Location: Montana, Gallatin Co. (45^o44'22" N 111^o13'19" W)