Q&A for How to Care for Blue Death Feigning Beetles

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Where can I find beetles?

Brandon Runyon
Entomologist
Brandon Runyon is a board-certified Entomologist based in Evansville, Indiana. He has over 18 years of experience as a Pest Control professional, and is the Technical Director of Swat Pest Management. Swat Pest Management serves areas throughout Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois, where they provide safe, cost-effective solutions for client’s pest control needs. He authored Bugged by Bugs: A Comprehensive Guide to Pest Control, a user-friendly guide to commercial pest control practices in hotels, restaurants, apartments, and offices. He graduated from Purdue University with a BS in Entomology, and received a MS in Entomology from The University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He also received an MBA from Western Governors University.

Brandon Runyon

Entomologist

Expert Answer

Explore areas with trees and fallen logs. Look for downed or dead trees and break them open. When you crack open a dead tree or log, you are likely to find beetles, along with other creatures such as millipedes and centipedes, showcasing the circle of life in decaying wood. Also, decaying plant matter is another good place to search for beetles.

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Do these beetles need any lighting or heating?

Community Answer

The beetles do not need any lighting. You may want to invest in a heater if the temperature drops below 70 degrees.

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What does it mean when my beetle does not move for hours after I bought it?

Community Answer

It is likely just in shock from you moving it from one habitat to another. Give it some time and make sure that you have it in a comfortable environment. They have a tendency to play dead when they are stressed or bothered.

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Question

What do the beetle larvae eat?

Community Answer

Usually, beetle larvae eat what adults eat. However, different species require different nutritional intakes.

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How do I tell female from male?

Community Answer

You can usually tell by looking at their sizes. Females are usually bigger than males.

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Do blue death feigning beetles mate more than once?

Community Answer

Each male can only mate once, he dies after. Females can mate repeatedly.

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Question

How do the beetles mate, and how many times a year can they mate?

NectarBoy

Community Answer

The breeding process of these beetles is still unknown, as they are infamous for being tough to breed. The best I can tell you is that they are most active in spring and early fall, so try your luck during that period.

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What should I do with my beetle if it dies?

Community Answer

First, make sure that it is actually dead. Remember, these beetles pretend that they are dead, so you will have to make sure. If you are sure, then you can put it outside, as it will decompose and create fertilizer for the ground. You can bury it if you like.

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How big should the cage be (in gallons) for my blue death feigning beetles?

Community Answer

At least 100 gallons; any smaller and they will die.

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Can my blue death feigning beetle be black and smooth?

Community Answer

No it can’t, but you can choose other species of feigning beetle that are black and smooth.

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Will blue death feigning beetles get used to their owners?

Community Answer

They might get used to handling, such as not playing dead after being picked up, but they won’t recognize you from other humans. They are not that smart.

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What temperatures can blue death feigning beetles handle?

Community Answer

They like temperatures between 70 and 85 F, but if it goes down to 65 overnight, it won't hurt them.

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