Eusilpha japonica
Although classed as a carrion beetle, this species prefers live earthworms over dead flesh, and eats far more of them than beef or mealworms in feeding trials.
| Where | Woodland edges across Japan |
|---|---|
| Size | 18 to 23 mm body length |
| When | May to October |
This carrion beetle has a broad, flattened, black body with a faint blue sheen and coarse ridges running along the wing covers, giving it a rougher look than smaller related species.
Although classed among the carrion beetles, it feeds mainly on live earthworms rather than dead animals, and in feeding trials adults consumed far more earthworm than beef or mealworm larvae offered alongside it.
Traits
Habitat
Woodland
Colour
Black, Metallic
Active
Day
To people
Gives off a strong odour if disturbed but does not bite or sting; harmless to people.
Activity through the year
Often confused with
Carries two broad orange red bands across each black wing cover and a red marked head, quite unlike the plain black to blue black body of this species.
Questions
Is Eusilpha japonica dangerous to people?
Gives off a strong odour if disturbed but does not bite or sting; harmless to people.
When can you see Eusilpha japonica?
Eusilpha japonica can be seen from May to October, by day.
Plate retouched from a photo by konoda, CC0, iNaturalist Licence
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Last updated 2026-09-27. Every entry is checked against published sources.