Dept. of Unusual Jobs
Bob Merz was appointed the North American Regional Studbook Keeper for the American Burying Beetle by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). This document will maintain a genetic record of the beetle populations held in North America .
Did you know beetles had studbooks? I didn't. But if the population's very small, and you're trying to bring it back and maintain all the available genetic diversity, I guess you'd need one.
The beetle in question, in case you're suddenly struck with unbearable curiosity, has the scientific name of Nicrophorus americanus.
http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10370_12145_12204-32983--,00.html
http://www.texasento.net/ABB.htm
I'm now on the lookout for this handsome beetle (but don't expect to find it here. It needs a regular supply of corpses to bury.)
Did you know beetles had studbooks? I didn't. But if the population's very small, and you're trying to bring it back and maintain all the available genetic diversity, I guess you'd need one.
The beetle in question, in case you're suddenly struck with unbearable curiosity, has the scientific name of Nicrophorus americanus.
http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10370_12145_12204-32983--,00.html
http://www.texasento.net/ABB.htm
I'm now on the lookout for this handsome beetle (but don't expect to find it here. It needs a regular supply of corpses to bury.)
