Invertebrate · Beetle
Bess beetle care guide
Odontotaenius disjunctus
The bess beetle is a beginner-level beetle from Eastern North America. Adults reach Body 3–4 cm and live 1–2 years (adult) in captivity. Social native beetle that feeds its larvae chewed wood; keep pairs or small groups.
- Enclosure 30 × 20 × 20 cm
- Temp 18–25°C
- Humidity 60–80%
How much does a bess beetle cost in Canada?
Bess beetle quick facts
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- Body 3–4 cm
- Lifespan
- 1–2 years (adult)
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Eastern North America
- Minimum enclosure
- 30 × 20 × 20 cm (12 × 8 × 8 in, ≈ 3 US gal)
- Housing
- Up to 6 can share; add about 20% more floor space for each extra animal.
- Temperature
- 18–25°C
- Humidity
- 60–80%
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Detritivore – rotting hardwood
- Bioactive style
- Invertebrate colony
Bess beetle enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 30 × 20 × 20 cm (12 × 8 × 8 inches). Up to 6 can share; add about 20% more floor space for each extra animal. This species suits a invertebrate colony bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix10 cm
Leaf litter is food here, not decoration – keep a thick layer topped up. Keep one side damper than the other.
Temperature: 18–25°C. Humidity: 60–80%. UVB: Not needed.
What does a bess beetle eat?
Detritivore – rotting hardwood. Keep pieces of soft rotting hardwood (oak, maple) available at all times.
Handling, temperament & health
Gentle and great for handling; squeaks when disturbed.
Health watch: Declines without a constant supply of rotting wood.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Nothing needed most days.
Weekly
- Mist the damp side; add vegetables or protein food in small amounts and remove leftovers after 24–48 h.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter and add a calcium source (cuttlebone).
- Thin out the colony or split it if it gets crowded.
Yearly
- Replace about a third of the soil, which turns into frass over time.
Recommended for a bess beetle bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (30 × 20 × 20 cm).
Bess beetle FAQ
Is the bess beetle good for beginners?
Yes – the bess beetle is a good choice for beginners. Gentle and great for handling; squeaks when disturbed.
What size enclosure does a bess beetle need?
At least 30 × 20 × 20 cm (about 12 × 8 × 8 inches, roughly 3 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 6 can share; add about 20% more floor space for each extra animal.
How much does a bess beetle cost in Canada?
Typically $15–30 CAD to buy, about $100–170 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $15–30 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a bess beetle need?
Temperature: 18–25°C. Humidity: 60–80%.
What does a bess beetle eat?
Detritivore – rotting hardwood. Keep pieces of soft rotting hardwood (oak, maple) available at all times.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.