Males have a large rectangular mark, while females have a smaller triangular mark. Burying beetles often carry swarms of orange-colored mites on their body. They help keep beetles and carcasses clean of microbes and fly eggs. American burying beetles are active from late April through September. Most reproductive activity and carcass burial occur in June and July.
Reproduction depends on the availability of carrion.
American burying beetles select carcasses larger than other burying beetles. Optimum weights are between 100 and 200 grams. Birds and mammals are used equally and are the preferred carrion. A positive correlation exists between carcass weight and number of larvae produced. Males find carcasses at night, soon after it is dark.