Transcriptomic signatures of parent-larval interactions in Nicrophorus orbicollis

We use transcriptomics to study changes in expression in parents and larvae of the burying beetle, Nicrophorus orbicollis, associated with transitions to direct care. In addition, we examine the effect of ambient temperature in moderating the strength of parent-larval interactions by sampling families across two parental care stages (pre- and 24 h post-interaction) and two temperatures (20 and 24 degrees Celsius). A total of 20 families (each consisting of one male, one female, and pooled larvae) were sampled.