Blue Death Feigning Beetle

Species: Blue Death Feigning Beetle  

Scientific Name: Asbolus verrucosus 

Origin: Southwestern United States and parts of Mexico, found mainly in the Sonoran Desert. 

Lifespan: 8+ Years 

Size: ½-1 Inch 

Enclosure Type: Smooth glass or plastic. The more horizontal space the better. 

Enclosure Size: 1 gallon per 2 beetles 

Substrate: It is recommended to have a 2-layer substrate. The bottom 2-inch layer should be a mixture of one part sand/clay and 3-part decaying plant matter. The top 1-inch layer should be sand/clay. 

Decor: Clean aquarium decorations, wood, cork, rock, and dried leaves can all offer more climbing surface area, hides, and enrichment. Be sure there are no sharp edges or openings small enough to get stuck in. 

Water: Keeping a water dish in the enclosure could be hazardous because of their inability to swim. Most of their water should come from the food they eat. 

Temperature: 75-95 day, 50-60 night. 

Humidity: Relatively 20%. Mist a small portion of the enclosure if the humidity needs to be raised. 

Lighting: Heat sources should be placed at one end of the enclosure to provide a warmer end and cooler end to choose from. 

Type of Diet: Opportunistic  

Types of Food: Seeds, produce, roots, bee pollen, freshly killed crickets, super worms, mealworms. or roaches, invertebrate gel. 

Feeding Schedule: Every 2-3 days. Remove uneaten food to prevent mold.