The other day I collected the dirty feed pans from the back porch and took them inside. When I separated them, I noticed a bug curled up on its back in the bottom of one. I thought it was a bumble bee and hoped it wasn’t dead. (I have a soft spot for bumble bees.) I took a piece of paper towel and carefully lifted it up. I was startled when it suddenly flipped over and started walking! This is who it was:

It’s a Burying Beetle! I’d never seen one before. These remarkable insects are named for their unusual behaviour. They bury the bodies of small animals, such as mice or birds, creating a food source for their developing larvae. Who knew?!

I left this beautiful insect on the paper towel on the porch railing so it could continue on its way.

What a wonderful experience.