Where do death feigning beetles live?
This beetles can be found naturally in the deserts of Southwestern United States, eg. Sonoran deserts and Mojave deserts. Being native to the desert means this species is hardy and is able to withstand prolonged periods of dryness, hot temperature (hot day in desert) or cold temperature (cold night in desert).
Where do blue death feigning beetles live?
Asbolus verrucosus (LeConte, 1852), also known as the desert ironclad beetle or blue death feigning beetle, is a species of darkling beetle native to the deserts of the Southwestern United States, notably the Sonoran desert.
How long do death feigning beetles live?
8 years
Blue Death Feigning Beetles go through a complete metamorphosis from egg to larvae to pupa to adult. They live in colonies but forage independently. Life Span: The average life span is 8 years in the wild or in human care.
Can blue death feigning beetles live alone?
Blue death feigning beetles are found in the SouthWest U.S. but are also commonly found in Mexico. They live in arid, desert like areas, so theyre built to be able to withstand long periods of drought, and can live off minimal water….About.
| Difficulty Level | |
|---|---|
| Cost | Low cost, $5-$10 per beetle |
Why are blue death feigning beetles blue?
The blue death-feigning beetle gets its bluish tint from a wax that it secretes to protect itself against overheating and dehydration. This beetle gets its name from its defense mechanism, playing dead! When they feel threatened they roll over onto their back and play dead.
Do blue death feigning beetles need water?
Humidity – Too much humidity will cause them to lose their blue color and turn black. Humidity levels should be kept low, preferably below 20%. Watering – Blue Death Feigning Beetles do not require a water source. They can obtain all the water they need from the foods they eat.
Why are they called death feigning beetles?
Asbolus verrucosus is famously known for its defense strategy, hence the common name “death feigning.” Unlike other desert beetle relatives like the Pinacate or “stink beetle,” blue death feigning beetles lack defensive glands and are unable to ward off predators with offensive smells or noxious sprays.
How do you keep blue death feigning beetles?
Size – Blue Death Feigning Beetles can be housed in plastic or glass enclosures. Keeping them in an enclosure that is equal in length to 5 times its body length ensures plenty of room to scavenge. Substrate – Since Blue Death Feigning beetles are native to the desert, a sand substrate is ideal.
How do you care for a blue death feigning beetle?
Temperature – Temperatures between 70-85°F are perfect for Blue Death Feigning Beetles. Humidity – Too much humidity will cause them to lose their blue color and turn black. Humidity levels should be kept low, preferably below 20%. Watering – Blue Death Feigning Beetles do not require a water source.
Can Blue Death Feigning Beetles climb glass?
You can buy a glass terrarium or plastic critter keeper from a pet store, but a plastic storage bin also works. Beetles can’t climb glass or plastic walls, so you don’t need a lid for the habitat.
Where do Blue Death feigning beetles live?
The truly remarkable Blue Death Feigning Beetle evolved as endemic to the desert regions of North America. Furthermore, the great majority of its population appears in the northwest section of the continental United States. There, it shows definite preferences for its choice of habitat.
Why is the Blue Death feigning beetle called a death pretending beetle?
The unique coloration of the blue death-feigning beetle is due to a waxy secretion that may help protect the beetle from the hot sun. When disturbed, the blue death-feigning beetle may become completely immobile for some time, Hence the term ‘death-feigning’.
How do you take care of a blue death feigning beetle?
Temperature – Temperatures between 70-85°F are perfect for Blue Death Feigning Beetles. Humidity – Too much humidity will cause them to lose their blue color and turn black. Humidity levels should be kept low, preferably below 20%. Watering – Blue Death Feigning Beetles do not require a water source. They can
What size enclosure for Blue Death-feigning beetles?
For larger numbers of beetles, use a larger enclosure, I currently have 7 Blue Death-Feigning Beetles in a 20-gallon reptile enclosure with a screen lid, something like this one. I recommend buying a glass enclosure this large at a local pet store, or even used from local online classifieds, rather than online, to save money: