Blue Death-Feigning Beetle

Asbolus verrucosus

The blue death feigning beetle, also known as the desert ironclad beetle, is a species of darkling beetle found in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. These beetles are well-adapted to hot and dry environments and can eat a variety of things including dead insects, fruits, and plant matter. They are known for their dramatic defense mechanism of playing dead when threatened.

The blue death feigning beetle is becoming increasingly popular as a pet due to their ease of care. They don't require special heating or humidity levels and can live in a simple enclosure with sand and hiding spots. They are also omnivorous and can be fed a variety of things. They can even be kept with other desert invertebrates like scorpions and velvet ants.

Our Current Residents

ZooMontana currently has 5 beetles.  Their gender is unknown.  

Taxonomy

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Insecta
• Order: Coleoptera
• Family: Tenebrionidae
• Genus: Asbolus
• Species: Asbolus verrucosus

Animal Facts

• Omnivorous: Eat vegetables, fruits, lichen and dead insects
• Population: Steady
• Habitat: Desert
• Diurnal: Active during the day