Burying/sexton beetle

6959.        This was walking around on my patio. Found it to be an interesting thing just wanted to know what it is? Sault Ste Marie, ON. Canada

Number 6959. This is a burying/sexton beetle (Coleoptera: Silphidae) in the genus Nicrophorus; it appears to be Nicrophorus tomentosus.  Click here for an image. Known as the gold-necked carrion beetle or tomentose burying beetle, they locate and prepare the carcasses of small mammals or birds for their larvae, and then provide parental care. Click here for more information on these fascinating insects.