News and Stories

Hello from the Beetle Breeding Lab!

It’s that time of year again—love is in the air, and so is… a whole lot of dirt. Our American burying beetles are *actively* (and *enthusiastically*) getting to know one another in the most romantic way possible: burying rats together. Yes, you heard that right—RATS. It’s their version of dinner and a date.

This week, we’ve successfully paired up 22 pairs of beetles (that’s 44 beetles, if you’re counting!). They’re now getting cozy with their rodent dinner partners, as they dive deep into the dirt, creating little rat burial plots that would make any cemetery proud.

But here’s the real drama—**2 pairs** of beetles took their sweet time to bury their rats, dragging out their “dinner date” for an entire TWO days. Perhaps they were just really enjoying the ambiance? Or maybe they wanted a little more quality time with their rodents? Who knows! Meanwhile, the other 20 pairs of beetles were punctual, getting their rats buried in a respectable ONE day. Efficiency is key when you’re trying to save a species!

As always, we’re rooting for these little beetles to thrive and maybe, just maybe, speed things up a little next time. Stay tuned for the next update, where we’ll see if the beetles have learned to be more punctual—or if they’re still taking their time with their rat-themed rendezvous!

Until then, keep your eyes on the dirt!

With love (and beetles),

The American Burying Beetle Team

Cincinnati Zoo insect keepers helped release American Burying Beetles back into the wild in Ohio where they’re endangered

See the American Burying Beetle release process!

Beetle Babies and Bucket Blues: A Burying Beetle Update!

First, let’s start with the good news—19 out of 27 buckets produced offspring! That’s a pretty solid success rate (we’ll take it). The total larval count? An impressive 479 baby beetles! It’s almost as if these beetles can’t stop making babies.

Now, for the drama. Two of our pairs, the ones who took a leisurely two days to bury their rat (perhaps they were savoring the moment?), unfortunately did not produce any offspring. It’s a tragic tale of rat-burial failure, but sometimes even the best beetles can’t win ‘em all.

But hey, at the end of the day, we’ve got 479 larvae ready to take over the world—or at least, take over some decaying rats. They might be a little quirky in their parenting, but these beetles are doing their best.

Tune in next month when we discuss the impending beetlemania when these larvae all emerge has fresh young adult beetles!

Until next time, folks! May your beetles be plentiful and your rats always be buried.