The life cycle and number of nests produced by Nicrophorus mexicanus Matthews was studied under laboratory conditions. During summer and autumn, the adult life cycle was 57 ± 8 (mean ± SD) days (n = 36). Of 40 recently emerged pairs, 10% did not build a nest during their adult life; 90% built from one to four nests with two nests being the most common (39%). Males lived for 59 ± 14 (n = 40) days and females 54 ± 14 (n = 40) days. Females that built four nests lived the longest; significant differences were noted in the longevity of females that built from one to four nests. No significant difference was noted in the brood size for pairs that built four nests.