Notes on the Diversity and Foraging Height of Carrion Beetles (Coleoptera: Silphidae) of the Nassawango Creek Preserve, Maryland, USA

Most Silphidae are scavengers of carrion or other decaying material. Previous studies have reported 18 species of silphids found in Maryland. Our research used baited hanging pitfall traps to examine the species diversity of carrion beetles in two habitats (forest and field) of the Nassawango Creek Nature Conservancy Preserve in Maryland, USA. In addition, foraging height was examined at two heights (0.5 m and 2.5 m) to study vertical distribution along with seasonality. A total of eight species was captured, with most species preferring the forest habitat and ground placed traps. Just one species, Nicrophorus pustulatus Herschel, showed a preference for foraging at higher elevations. This is congruent with previous studies reported for this species.