Live Pet Death Feigning Beetle

Description: Death Feigning Beetles (Asbolus verrucosus), also known as "Blue Death Feigning Beetles" or the "Desert Ironclad Beetle," are a species of beetle found in the deserts of the southwestern United States. They earned their name because when they feel threatened, they will lay on their backs and play dead. These desert-dwelling beetles cannot fly; instead, they spend their time foraging in the sand and hiding under rocks to keep cool. They are naturally black, but due to a coating they produce to protect them from the sun and stay hydrated, they often appear a muted powder blue color. What a fashionable, self-made sunblock! Learn everything you need to know about caring for your beetle buddies in our Complete Death Feigning Beetle Care Guide!

Pet Name: Death Feigning Beetle Live Pets

Normal Pet Size at Maturity: 3/4 inch - 1 inch in length

Average Lifespan: up to 8 years

Basic Diet: Commercial beetle jelly pods, pre-formulated death feigning beetle food, pelleted fish or reptile diets, single-source freeze dried shrimp, crickets or minnows. For complete feeding information including supplements and how to serve food, check out the Feeding section of our Death Feigning Beetle Care Guide!

Habitat Necessities: Learn how to cultivate the best home for your beetles in the Habitat section of our Death Feigning Beetle Care Guide!

• 5+ gallons aquarium or terrarium appropriately sized for the number of beetles
  
• Tight fitting, well-ventilated lid
  
• Thermometer & hygrometer
  
• Lighting
  
• Timer
  
• Heat source such as ceramic heat emitter, bulb, or heat mat
  
• Substrate options like desert reptile substrate and sand (not calcium sand)
  
• Décor like driftwood, cholla, natural cork, rocks and other ornaments to create hiding places
  
• Leaf litter, such as oak and magnolia
  
• Artificial plants
  
• Food options such as beetle food, fish food, reptile food, and beetle jelly pods

Does this Pet Need a Roommate? YES! If you plan to have death feigning beetles, it is recommended to have at least three beetles to meet their social needs. The maximum number of beetles is determined by the size of your enclosure. More space means more beetles! Death feigning beetles are very social and live in groups in the wild.

Minimum Enclosure Size: 5 gallons for every 3 to 5 beetles. (5 gallons for 3-5 beetles, 10 gallons for 6-10 beetles, etc.)

Safety Tips for You and Your Pet: It is recommended to closely monitor any new pet for 30 days in their own enclosure to observe signs of illness, prevent the spread of potential diseases, and to limit stress while your pet acclimates to their new home. All new pets should be seen by a veterinarian within 14 days of purchase to establish care and discuss a health and wellness plan. All animals can potentially carry viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic diseases contagious to humans. Thoroughly wash your hands with warm, soapy water before and after contact with any pet or its habitat. Adults should assist children with hand washing after contact with a pet or its enclosure. Use caution when handling pets, and remember they may bite or scratch, especially when stressed.

Vet Assured: Pets purchased at PetSmart are part of our exclusive Vet Assured program, designed by PetSmart veterinarians to help improve the health and well-being of our pets. Our vendors meet ahigh standard in caring for pets and screening them for common illnesses, including Zoonotic diseases. This program also includes specific standards for in-store pet care.

When to Contact a Veterinarian: Contact a veterinarian experienced with invertebrates if you notice:

• visible injuries
  
• unusual behaviors
  
• if multiple beetles in the group show abnormal signs in a short period of time

The PetSmart Promise: If your pet becomes ill during the initial 14-day period, or if you're not satisfied for any reason, PetSmart will gladly replace the pet or refund the purchase price.