The carrion beetles (Silphidae) are a small family with 200 species described worldwide. 22 species are known to occur in Germany. The majority of the species occurs in the temperate climate zones. The mostly carnivorous beetles are small (4 mm) to medium-sized (35 mm) and can be often found on carrion. Some representatives of the family show a highly developed brood care: The beetles dig in small carrion, forming a brood burrow. The female actively feeds the larvae with the decaying carrion. Several species are not found on carrion, but are snail hunters (Phosphuga), prey on caterpillars (Xylodrepa) or are considered as pests (Blitophaga feeds on the leaves of beet).