The name “blue death feigning beetle” might sound intimidating, but these bugs are hardy and have a peaceful temperament. They’re great for those new to keeping insects or those who want an exotic beetle they can handle with ease. Originating from hot and arid habitats, these beetles aren’t fussy when it comes to food, and they have a long lifespan. If you’re getting ready to bring one of these fascinating insects home, this guide looks at the do’s and don’ts of keeping pet blue death-feigning beetles.
1. These Beetles Make Good Starter Pets
The blue death feigning beetle makes a good pet because it is easy to maintain. These beetles are true survivalists able to go with minimal food and water for months at a time. They’re able to absorb moisture from the food they eat and can live off very few meals.
The first thing you’ll notice about the blue death feigning beetle is its light blue coloring. The blue color comes from a wax-like coating that is secreted over the body to prevent dehydration. The more humid the environment of these beetles, the more intense the blue coloration. Coming from the deserts in the U.S. and Mexico, these bugs are tolerant of some of the most challenging conditions.
2. Bue Death Feigning Beetles Are Omnivorous
Despite these beetles being so hardy, they are generally fed two to three times a week. When feeding your pet blue death feigning beetle, offer them a combination of vegetable and protein-based foods. These omnivores will consume crickets, mealworms, and various insects they would otherwise find in the wild. Some beetle owners offer their pets dried shrimp that you should be able to find at your local pet fish store.
In addition to high-protein foods, always provide your pet beetles with fresh fruit and vegetables. They obtain most of their moisture from the greens they eat. You can give them chopped-up apples, zucchini, carrots, sweet potato, and melons.
Rather than add a water dish for moisture, you can lightly spray the enclosure allowing them to drink the water droplets. Don’t worry about humidity, as these beetles don’t need controlled humidity levels. They live in hot and dry environments, so don’t spray their habitat too often. The excess moisture should be avoided in the bug enclosure because it will turn these otherwise blue beetles black.
3. You Need a 10-Gallon Tank
It’s best to house your pet blue death feigning beetles in a 10-gallon tank or enclosure. They need some space to explore their surroundings, such as rocks, plants, and other decorative features. These aren’t big bugs, reaching a size of around 0.83 inches––but don’t cut back on their space because they like to roam. Blue death feigning beetles are active creatures, which is another reason they make fairly good pets. You can watch them walk about and explore their habitat while taking them out occasionally to handle them.
4. These Beetles Need a Temperature Gradient
You don’t need special lighting for these beetles, and most do well at a temperature of between 70℉ and 85℉. By recreating conditions they would experience in the wild, you’ll have an active little beetle that provides hours of entertainment. While the daytime temperature or the hotspot in the tank can reach 85℉, you should reduce it to around 50℉ at night when they sleep. The easiest way to ensure that the temperature is stable is to use a thermal bulb. If you are going to place several beetles in a larger tank, such as a 20-gallon, you can install a tube lamp.
5. With Care, These Insects Live 10 Years
The blue death feigning beetle has a lifespan of 10 years. While they are easy to look after, you’ll need to invest in the right tank or enclosure, provide warm temperatures, and avoid stress. Gentle handling is key to keeping the blue-colored beetle calm, and once settled in their environment, they’re less likely to become ill.
Feed your blue beetles a combination of vegetables and protein to maintain their health and don’t allow temperatures to drop below 70℉ in the daytime. Ensure their enclosure is clean and they have places to hide.
6. Exercise Caution When Handling Feigning Death Beetles
As you may already know, insects as pets aren’t cuddly, but this doesn’t mean they can’t be handled. These beetles will walk across your hands and arms when you support their bodies and avoid fast movements.
The blue death feigning beetle’s name comes from its behavior of “playing dead.” When threatened, these hard-shelled creatures will flip onto their backs and pretend to be dead to distract predators. So, don’t be alarmed if your beetle flops over and appears lifeless while handled! They could just be responding to touch or stress. Leave them alone, and they should come around. The secret to successfully handling blue feigned beetles is a slow and simple movement to avoid scaring them.
7. These Insects Thrive with Sandy Substrate
In the wild, a blue death feigning beetle will live in sand, which is one of the better choices of substrate for these bugs. But, if you have male and female beetles for breeding, then adding some organic material provides larvae with moisture. Some beetles enjoy burrowing, so a loose substrate allowing them to dig is always a good option.
The blue death feigning beetle is an interesting pet because of its hardiness, active nature, and truly unique appearance. Whether you’re new to pet bugs or a more experienced keeper, blue death feigning beetles are a joy to own.
