Blue Death Frightening Beetle | Asbolus verrucosus
Live Animals Are Click and Collect Only
Please note that we do not ship live animals. You can order online and collect in store.
To defend themselves, other beetles spray secretions from a gland. Asbolus verrucosus cannot do this and they cannot fly away to escape their attackers. They method of escape is to roll on your back and freeze in shock. This is also where its English name comes from - Blue Death Frightening Beetle. They get the liquid they need from their food. As ground dwellers, they prefer sandy substrate.
Origin: Southwest of the USA, northwest of Mexico.
Temperature: Blue Death Feigning Beetles are well-suited to hot and dry climates, and their ideal temperature range for keeping them in captivity is between 24-30 °C
Housing: When keeping Blue Death Feigning Beetles as pets, it's crucial to provide them with a suitable habitat. A glass or plastic terrarium with a secure lid is recommended to prevent escapes. The enclosure should have a substrate of dry sand or a sand-soil mix to mimic their natural habitat. Adding hiding spots such as rocks or pieces of bark will provide them with places to retreat to. Additionally, a shallow dish of water should be provided to maintain humidity levels, but it should be shallow enough to prevent drowning.
Feeding: Blue Death Feigning Beetles are primarily herbivorous, and their diet consists mainly of plant matter. They feed on dried leaves, twigs, and occasionally fresh vegetables like carrots or cucumber. It's essential to provide a varied diet and ensure that they have access to fresh food regularly.
Lifespan: The lifespan of Blue Death Feigning Beetles in captivity can range from 2 to 5 years. Proper care and maintenance of their habitat and diet can significantly impact their longevity. These beetles undergo a unique behavior known as "death feigning" when threatened, where they play dead as a defense mechanism to deter predators. This behavior contributes to their intriguing appeal as pets.
Behavior and Personality: Blue Death Feigning Beetles are known for their interesting behavior and personalities. They are relatively calm and slow-moving insects that spend much of their time foraging for food and burrowing in the substrate. Their "death-feigning" behavior is a remarkable defense mechanism, and they will curl up and stay motionless when they feel threatened. This behavior often surprises and captivates enthusiasts who observe it.
Beetle Food: Omnivorous
Please note: We don't ship live animals. You can order online and choose click and collect, and we will hold it for you.