Invertebrate · Beetle
Blue death-feigning beetle care guide
Asbolus verrucosus
The blue death-feigning beetle is a beginner-level beetle from Sonoran and Mojave deserts, SW USA and Mexico. Adults reach Body 1.5–2 cm and live 7–10 years in captivity. Desert colony. Keep dry with a small damp corner.
- Enclosure 30 × 20 × 20 cm
- Temp 24–30°C
- Humidity 20–30%
How much does a blue death-feigning beetle cost in Canada?
Blue death-feigning beetle quick facts
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- Body 1.5–2 cm
- Lifespan
- 7–10 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Sonoran and Mojave deserts, SW USA and Mexico
- Minimum enclosure
- 30 × 20 × 20 cm (12 × 8 × 8 in, ≈ 3 US gal)
- Housing
- A colony species – best kept in a group.
- Temperature
- 24–30°C
- Humidity
- 20–30%
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Omnivore – vegetables, fruit, dry dog or fish food
- Bioactive style
- Desert invertebrate
Blue death-feigning beetle enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 30 × 20 × 20 cm (12 × 8 × 8 inches). A colony species – best kept in a group. This species suits a desert invertebrate bioactive build.
- Soil and sand mix8 cm
Keep it dry with one slightly moistened corner. Desert species are sensitive to stuffy, wet conditions.
Temperature: 24–30°C. Humidity: 20–30%. UVB: Not needed.
What does a blue death-feigning beetle eat?
Omnivore – vegetables, fruit, dry dog or fish food. Offer a small piece of produce and dry food 1–2 times weekly.
Handling, temperament & health
Very hardy and handleable; plays dead when disturbed.
Health watch: Too much humidity causes mould and deaths; keep mostly dry.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Visual check.
Weekly
- Feed; remove leftovers.
- Moisten one corner lightly.
Monthly
- Check the soil hasn’t become damp throughout.
Yearly
- Refresh substrate if it smells or compacts.
Recommended for a blue death-feigning beetle bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (30 × 20 × 20 cm).
Blue death-feigning beetle FAQ
Is the blue death-feigning beetle good for beginners?
Yes – the blue death-feigning beetle is a good choice for beginners. Very hardy and handleable; plays dead when disturbed.
What size enclosure does a blue death-feigning beetle need?
At least 30 × 20 × 20 cm (about 12 × 8 × 8 inches, roughly 3 US gallons) for one adult. A colony species – best kept in a group.
How much does a blue death-feigning beetle cost in Canada?
Typically $15–30 CAD to buy, about $110–200 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $15–30 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a blue death-feigning beetle need?
Temperature: 24–30°C. Humidity: 20–30%.
What does a blue death-feigning beetle eat?
Omnivore – vegetables, fruit, dry dog or fish food. Offer a small piece of produce and dry food 1–2 times weekly.
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.