If you're looking to raise a group of beetles that are both hardy and entertaining, the blue death feigning beetle is a fantastic pick. Known for its vibrant blue shell and quirky defense trick of playing dead, this desert species is a favorite at James’ Beetle Farm. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to keep a healthy and happy colony in your home setup.
Why They Make Great Colony Pets
Blue death feigning beetles are tough little creatures. They’re long-lived, super low maintenance, and do well in groups. That makes them perfect for beginners and experienced collectors alike. They aren’t aggressive with each other, and they’ll spend their days roaming around, climbing over décor, and occasionally pretending to be dead just for fun.
Setting Up the Right Enclosure
To keep your beetles active and safe, enclosure size and setup matter. A 10-gallon tank works well for a small colony of 4 to 6 beetles. Make sure the enclosure has a secure lid. These beetles aren’t climbers, but it’s always better to be safe.
Use a desert-style terrarium with plenty of surface area. They love crawling over rocks, bark, and logs. The more hiding spots and things to explore, the happier they’ll be. Just make sure everything is sturdy. These beetles are stronger than they look and might move lighter objects around.
Choosing the Right Substrate
These beetles come from dry desert environments, so the substrate needs to reflect that. A mix of play sand and coconut fiber works great. Keep it dry and loose enough for the beetles to burrow a bit, but not so soft that they sink. Avoid moist substrates since blue death feigning beetles thrive in dry conditions. High humidity can shorten their lifespan.
Feeding Your Beetles
They’re not picky eaters, but they do best on a simple diet. At James’ Beetle Farm, we recommend feeding your colony small bits of carrot, apple, or other fruit once or twice a week. Sweet potato is another favorite. They don’t need much, so start small and remove leftovers after a day to prevent mold.
Supplement with dry food too. Dog kibble, fish flakes, or commercial insect food will give them the protein they need. Scatter it around their tank and let them forage.
Keeping It Clean
These beetles are clean by nature, but it’s still a good idea to spot-clean the tank once a week. Remove old food, check for moldy areas in the substrate, and wipe down any buildup on rocks or glass. A full substrate change every few months keeps everything fresh and prevents pests.
How Many Can You Keep Together?
These beetles are super social. You can safely keep several together without issues. At James’ Beetle Farm, we often suggest starting with at least three. Watching them interact is part of the fun, and they seem more active when they’re in a group.
Make sure the enclosure isn’t overcrowded, though. Each beetle should have room to move around without constant bumping into each other. Give them plenty of ground space and spots to hide if they want some alone time.
Buying Blue Death Feigning Beetles
If you’re ready to start your own colony, check out our blue death feigning beetle for sale listings at James’ Beetle Farm. We take great care in raising healthy, active beetles and include detailed care tips with every order. Our beetles are captive-bred, ensuring they adapt easily to life in a home terrarium.
Final Thoughts
Caring for a colony of blue death feigning beetles is fun, rewarding, and surprisingly easy. With the right setup, proper feeding, and a bit of attention, you’ll have a long-living group of colorful companions. Whether you're adding to an insect display or starting from scratch, these beetles are a solid pick for anyone wanting something different.
At James’ Beetle Farm, we’re here to help you get started. Reach out with any questions or check out our care guides to make sure your beetles thrive from day one.