Beetles are fascinating creatures, and some people even keep them as pets. However, don’t rush out to the garden and just stick some beetles in a jar! If you’re going to keep pet beetles, you need to do it properly. That means housing them correctly, giving them the right food, and understanding their needs. In this guide, we’ll examine everything new owners should know about caring for pet beetles.
1. Many Beetle Species Make Good Pets
There are 400,000 species of beetles worldwide, so it’s an understatement to say that there’s plenty to choose from! Always buy pet insects from respectable dealers to avoid bringing unwanted diseases into your terrarium. Nonetheless, let’s look at some of the most popular pet beetle species:
Blue Death Feigning Beetles
These fascinating North American beetles are hardier than their name suggests. They lie on their backs to confuse predators by playing dead. Blue death feigning beetles live for up to eight years, which is much longer than most species. They don’t bite and have a beautiful color. We highly recommend them if you want a long-term pet.
Sun Beetles: Fascinating Bugs
Sun beetles are a very attractive species with yellow and chocolate markings on their elytron. They originate from tropical Africa and live up to ten months in captivity. Some people use them as food for reptiles, but they’re fascinating creatures too!
Stag Beetles: From Grub to Hard-Shelled Insect
There are many varieties of stag beetles. Their iconic pincers give them a very dramatic aesthetic, but most are very calm and not aggressive. The Australian rainbow stag beetle enjoys a 12-month lifespan. This is longer than most other stag beetle varieties.
Darkling Beetles: Easy to Care for
One of the most common beetle species, it’s very easy to care for darklings. They grow from mealworms, so it’s also simple to create colonies. Some darkling beetles live for up to a year.
2. Beetles Need a Spacious, Secure Enclosure
You will need a terrarium, tank, or an appropriate container for your new pet beetles. There must be a lid to keep them from escaping. There should be enough space for them to move around and explore comfortably. Bigger species like stag beetles require more space. We advise at least a 10-gallon terrarium for these large insects. As a general rule, the enclosure should be at least five times the length of the beetle. Bigger is better because it’s more like their natural environment.
A good substrate is also essential for their comfort. Many owners use potting soil, but there are plenty of other options. Leaf litter, paper towels, and coconut husks are other decent alternatives. Beetles love climbing, so add twigs and branches for them to explore. They’re likely to eat plants, so we don’t advise adding too many live ones. Situate the terrarium in a cool, dark, and dry location away from windows.
3. Beetles Enjoy Fresh Fruit and Vegetables
Beetles typically eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. Yet, this will vary depending on the species. Slices of apple and orange as well as overripe bananas are popular choices. Some owners even give their beetles oatmeal and potato slices. Beetle jelly is another commercial alternative. This concentrated specialty food contains enough sugar, protein, vitamins, and minerals for your pets. It’s not essential to use, but it takes the guesswork out of daily meals.
Remember, larvae require more regular feeding than adult beetles. Rhinoceros and stag beetles love rotting deadwood and tree sap, so they have more specific needs. Some species eat decaying meat, but it’s not necessary to feed it to them in captivity. Don’t forget to remove leftover food, so you don’t attract pests or mold!
4. Beetles Need Humid Conditions, Average Temperatures
Most pet insects require a humid terrarium with a moderate temperature. You can keep many beetles at about 70–80°F or normal room temperature. Meanwhile, the humidity levels may range from 60-80% depending on the species. For example, rainbow stag beetles require slightly hotter and more humid conditions. Dermestid beetles only require 60-70% humidity. It’s best to ask your dealer what conditions your specific beetles require.
5. Be Careful When Handling Beetles
It’s possible to handle pet beetles, but you should be very careful. Always wash your hands first, so you don’t contaminate them with bacteria––especially if you touch garden insects. Some larger beetles have sharp mandibles and may scratch or bite if you scare them. Approach them cautiously so that you don’t frighten them. Certain species, including rhino beetles, hiss, but don’t be afraid of this.
Take care not to squish or injure your beetle pets if you’re holding them. Always supervise children because they’re a big danger to insects. It’s best to keep younger kids away from them because they may inadvertently harm the pet beetles.
6. Research Before Mixing Beetle Species
Some beetles will live in harmony alongside each other. However, others will fight and even prey upon smaller insects. For example, green flower beetles and jade-headed buffalo beetles will coexist without any problems. These flower beetles won’t interact, but most importantly, they won’t harm each other. Water beetles typically live alongside each other, too. Ensure that you give them plenty of nooks and crannies to hide.
We don’t recommend mixing ground beetles with other species because they’re very aggressive. Their predatory instincts may lead them to eat other types of beetles. Also, be wary of mixing male beetles because they are very territorial. Stag beetles will fight each other to assert dominance. Rhinoceros beetles are another giant bug that can cause each other serious injury. New owners should talk to a specialist before putting different species together. This reduces the risk of something going wrong!
