Caring for Blue Death Feigning Beetles: The Ultimate Guide

Blue Death Feigning Beetles ( *Asbolus verrucosus*), often affectionately called BDFBs, are fascinating and increasingly popular pets. Native to the arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico, these beetles are known for their unique blue coloration and their dramatic defense mechanism: playing dead. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to provide excellent care for your Blue Death Feigning Beetles, ensuring they thrive in their captive environment.

## Understanding Blue Death Feigning Beetles

Before diving into the specifics of care, it’s helpful to understand some basic information about these beetles:

* **Appearance:** Adult BDFBs are typically about 0.5 to 0.7 inches long and have a bumpy, textured exoskeleton that appears blue due to a waxy coating. The intensity of the blue color can vary depending on the individual beetle and its environment. The “death feigning” aspect is a behavioral trait where the beetle will stiffen its legs and play dead when threatened.
* **Lifespan:** With proper care, Blue Death Feigning Beetles can live for several years, often ranging from 2 to 8 years or even longer.
* **Behavior:** They are generally docile and slow-moving, making them easy to handle. They are nocturnal and most active during the cooler parts of the day or evening. They are social creatures and can be kept in groups.
* **Diet:** BDFBs are detritivores, meaning they primarily feed on decaying organic matter. They have a relatively simple diet, making them easy to care for.

## Setting Up the Habitat

Creating a suitable habitat is crucial for the health and well-being of your Blue Death Feigning Beetles. Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up their enclosure:

### 1. Enclosure Size and Type

* **Size:** A 5-10 gallon tank is generally sufficient for a small group of beetles (3-6). Larger groups will require larger enclosures. A good rule of thumb is to provide at least 1 gallon of space per beetle.
* **Type:** Glass or plastic tanks work well. Avoid enclosures with large gaps or openings, as these beetles, while not escape artists, can sometimes find their way out. A secure lid is essential to prevent escapes and maintain humidity.

### 2. Substrate

The substrate is the material that lines the bottom of the enclosure. It plays a vital role in maintaining humidity and providing a suitable environment for the beetles to burrow and explore. Suitable substrates include:

* **Coco Fiber:** This is a popular choice as it retains moisture well and is readily available. Make sure to purchase coco fiber that is free of additives and fertilizers.
* **Sand:** Play sand or reptile sand can be mixed with coco fiber to improve drainage and create a more natural environment. Avoid calcium-based sands, as excessive ingestion can be harmful.
* **Organic Topsoil:** Ensure the topsoil is free of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Mix with coco fiber or sand for better drainage.
* **Leaf Litter:** Adding dried leaves (such as oak or maple) provides enrichment and a natural food source as they decompose. Ensure the leaves are pesticide-free.

**Substrate Depth:** The substrate should be at least 2-3 inches deep to allow the beetles to burrow.

### 3. Decor and Hides

Providing decor and hides gives the beetles places to retreat, explore, and feel secure. Suitable options include:

* **Cork Bark:** This provides a natural-looking hide and is easy to clean.
* **Rocks:** Smooth rocks can add visual appeal and provide basking spots (though BDFBs don’t require basking).
* **Driftwood:** Adds a natural element and provides climbing opportunities.
* **Fake Plants:** Plastic or silk plants can add color and provide hiding spots. Ensure they are non-toxic.
* **Small Dishes:** Shallow dishes can be used to offer food and water. Consider using small ceramic or glass dishes to prevent the beetles from tipping them over.

### 4. Temperature and Humidity

Blue Death Feigning Beetles thrive in a relatively stable environment. Maintaining proper temperature and humidity is essential for their health.

* **Temperature:** The ideal temperature range is 70-80°F (21-27°C). Room temperature is usually sufficient. Avoid placing the enclosure in direct sunlight or near drafts.
* **Humidity:** Maintain a humidity level of 40-60%. You can achieve this by misting the substrate lightly with water every few days. Use a hygrometer to monitor the humidity level. Overly wet conditions can lead to mold growth and health problems for the beetles. A well-ventilated enclosure is crucial to prevent excessive humidity.

### 5. Lighting

Blue Death Feigning Beetles do not require special lighting, such as UVB or UVA. However, a regular day/night cycle is beneficial. Ambient room lighting is generally sufficient. Avoid placing the enclosure in direct sunlight, as this can cause overheating.

## Feeding Your Blue Death Feigning Beetles

BDFBs are not picky eaters, which makes feeding them quite simple. Here’s what they eat and how to provide it:

### 1. Diet

The primary diet of Blue Death Feigning Beetles consists of decaying organic matter. Suitable food items include:

* **Vegetables:** Offer small pieces of vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and cucumbers. Ensure the vegetables are washed and free of pesticides.
* **Fruits:** Provide small amounts of fruits such as apples, bananas, and berries. Avoid citrus fruits, as they can be acidic.
* **Grains:** Offer small amounts of oats, wheat bran, or dry dog food (ensure it’s low in protein and doesn’t contain harmful additives).
* **Leaf Litter:** As mentioned earlier, dried leaves serve as both enrichment and a food source.
* **Fish Food Flakes:** These can provide additional nutrients.

### 2. Feeding Schedule

* **Frequency:** Feed your beetles every 2-3 days. Remove any uneaten food after 24 hours to prevent mold growth.
* **Quantity:** Offer a small amount of food that the beetles can consume in a day or two. Overfeeding can lead to excess waste and potential mold issues.

### 3. Water

BDFBs obtain most of their moisture from their food. However, it’s essential to provide a shallow dish of water or mist the enclosure regularly to maintain humidity.

* **Water Dish:** Use a shallow dish with small pebbles or cotton balls to prevent the beetles from drowning. Change the water daily.
* **Misting:** Lightly mist the substrate and decor every few days to maintain humidity. Avoid over-misting, as this can lead to excessive moisture.

## Handling Blue Death Feigning Beetles

BDFBs are generally docile and easy to handle. However, it’s essential to handle them gently to avoid stressing or injuring them.

### 1. How to Handle

* **Gentle Approach:** Approach the beetle slowly and gently. Avoid sudden movements, which can startle them.
* **Scoop Method:** Gently scoop the beetle up with your hand. Avoid grabbing or pinching them.
* **Handling Time:** Limit handling time to a few minutes to avoid stressing the beetle. They don’t particularly enjoy being handled.

### 2. Precautions

* **Wash Your Hands:** Always wash your hands before and after handling the beetles to prevent the spread of bacteria.
* **Avoid Dropping:** Be careful not to drop the beetle, as this can injure them. Handle them over a soft surface, such as a table covered with a towel.
* **Supervision:** Supervise children when they are handling the beetles.

## Maintaining the Enclosure

Regular maintenance of the enclosure is essential for the health and well-being of your Blue Death Feigning Beetles.

### 1. Spot Cleaning

* **Daily:** Remove any uneaten food and fecal matter daily. This helps prevent mold growth and maintain a clean environment.

### 2. Substrate Changes

* **Partial Changes:** Replace the top layer of the substrate (about 1 inch) every 1-2 months. This helps remove accumulated waste and maintain hygiene.
* **Full Changes:** Replace the entire substrate every 6-12 months. This is necessary to remove accumulated organic matter and prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria. When doing a full substrate change, retain a small amount of the old substrate to introduce beneficial microbes to the new substrate.

### 3. Cleaning Decor

* **Regularly:** Clean the decor (rocks, driftwood, etc.) every few months. Remove them from the enclosure and scrub them with warm water. Avoid using soap or detergents, as these can be harmful to the beetles. Rinse thoroughly and allow them to dry completely before returning them to the enclosure.

### 4. Water Dish Maintenance

* **Daily:** Clean and refill the water dish daily to prevent the growth of bacteria and algae.

## Common Health Issues and Prevention

Blue Death Feigning Beetles are generally hardy creatures, but they can be susceptible to certain health issues if their environment is not properly maintained.

### 1. Mites

* **Symptoms:** Small, crawling creatures on the beetles or in the substrate.
* **Causes:** Poor hygiene, high humidity.
* **Prevention:** Maintain a clean enclosure, ensure proper ventilation, and avoid over-misting.
* **Treatment:** Remove the beetles from the enclosure and clean the entire enclosure thoroughly. Replace the substrate and disinfect the decor. You can also gently wipe the beetles with a damp cotton swab to remove mites. In severe cases, consult with a reptile or insect veterinarian for appropriate treatment options.

### 2. Mold Growth

* **Symptoms:** Visible mold growth in the substrate or on food items.
* **Causes:** High humidity, poor ventilation, uneaten food.
* **Prevention:** Maintain proper ventilation, remove uneaten food daily, and avoid over-misting.
* **Treatment:** Remove the moldy substrate and food items immediately. Improve ventilation and reduce humidity. In severe cases, replace the entire substrate and disinfect the enclosure.

### 3. Dehydration

* **Symptoms:** Lethargy, shriveled appearance.
* **Causes:** Low humidity, insufficient access to water.
* **Prevention:** Maintain proper humidity levels and provide a shallow dish of water.
* **Treatment:** Increase humidity by misting the enclosure more frequently. Offer small pieces of moist vegetables or fruits. If the beetle is severely dehydrated, you can gently place it in a shallow dish of water for a few minutes to allow it to rehydrate.

### 4. Injury

* **Symptoms:** Visible wounds, difficulty moving.
* **Causes:** Accidental crushing, falls.
* **Prevention:** Handle the beetles gently and avoid dropping them. Provide a safe enclosure with smooth surfaces.
* **Treatment:** Isolate the injured beetle in a separate enclosure with soft substrate and easy access to food and water. Monitor the beetle closely and provide supportive care. In severe cases, consult with a veterinarian.

## Breeding Blue Death Feigning Beetles

Breeding BDFBs can be a rewarding experience. Here’s what you need to know:

### 1. Creating Breeding Conditions

* **Healthy Adults:** Ensure you have a group of healthy, mature beetles (at least 6 months old).
* **Optimal Conditions:** Maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels, as described earlier.
* **Sufficient Food:** Provide a varied diet to support breeding.

### 2. Egg Laying

* **Substrate:** Female beetles lay their eggs in the substrate. Provide a substrate depth of at least 3 inches to allow for egg laying.
* **Observation:** You may notice small, white eggs in the substrate. These are typically laid singly or in small clusters.

### 3. Raising Larvae

* **Separate Enclosure:** It’s best to move the eggs or newly hatched larvae to a separate enclosure to prevent them from being eaten by the adults.
* **Larval Diet:** The larvae feed on decaying organic matter, similar to the adults. Provide a substrate rich in leaf litter and decaying vegetables.
* **Maintain Humidity:** Maintain a slightly higher humidity level (60-70%) for the larvae.
* **Larval Stages:** The larvae go through several molts before pupating. Provide a stable environment during this period.

### 4. Pupation

* **Pupa Stage:** The larvae will eventually pupate, forming a small, brown pupa. Do not disturb the pupae during this stage.
* **Emergence:** After a few weeks, the adult beetle will emerge from the pupa. The newly emerged beetle may be pale in color at first but will gradually develop its blue coloration.

## Sourcing Blue Death Feigning Beetles

* **Reputable Breeders:** Purchase your beetles from reputable breeders or reptile stores. This ensures that you are getting healthy, well-cared-for beetles.
* **Online Retailers:** Many online retailers specialize in exotic pets. Research the retailer carefully before making a purchase.
* **Local Herpetological Societies:** Consider contacting local herpetological societies for referrals to reputable breeders.

## Conclusion

Blue Death Feigning Beetles are unique and fascinating pets that are relatively easy to care for. By providing a suitable habitat, a varied diet, and proper maintenance, you can ensure that your beetles thrive and provide you with years of enjoyment. Remember to observe your beetles regularly and address any potential health issues promptly. With a little care and attention, you can create a thriving colony of these charming blue beetles.