American burying beetle

American beetle at the Saint Louis Zoo. The colorful beetles will be reintroduced to Missouri for the first time in June 2012. Photo credit Saint Louis Zoo.

American burying beetle

Female American burying beetle. The colorful beetles will be reintroduced to Missouri for the first time in June 2012. Photo by Dan Kirk/Saint Louis Zoo

American burying beetle

Male and female American burying beetle pair with carrion at Saint Louis Zoo. The colorful beetles will be reintroduced to Missouri for the first time in June 2012. Photo credit Saint Louis Zoo

American burying beetle

American burying beetle at Saint Louis Zoo. The colorful beetles will be reintroduced to Missouri for the first time in June 2012. Photo credit Saint Louis Zoo.

American burying beetle

An American burying beetle emerging from pupation. This the stage when a beetle larvae turns into an adult. The colorful beetles will be reintroduced to Missouri for the first time in June 2012. Photo credit Saint Louis Zoo

American burying beetle

American burying beetle grubs at about 13 days old. After 45-60 days, the beetles will emerge as adults. The colorful beetles will be reintroduced to Missouri for the first time in June 2012. Photo by Marian Brickner/Saint Louis Zoo