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Asbolus verrucosus
Blue-white beetle from North American deserts. Named for its death-feigning defense behavior. Very hardy, long-lived, and extremely easy to keep.
The blue death-feigning beetle (Asbolus verrucosus) is a darkling beetle native to the deserts of the southwestern United States. A waxy bloom gives it a bluish-white appearance, and its habit of going limp and motionless when threatened (thanatosis) inspires its common name. Adults are around 20 mm and favor dry conditions. Husbandry follows a desert setup with dry sand or coconut fiber as substrate and only sparing moisture from a shallow dish or light misting. It is omnivorous, accepting vegetable matter and dry foods. Hardy, long-lived, and low-maintenance, it is a good choice for beginners.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Blue Death-Feigning Beetle lives 5-8 years.
The Blue Death-Feigning Beetle grows to 18-22mm.
The ideal temperature for the Blue Death-Feigning Beetle is 22〜32℃. Ideal humidity is 10〜30%.
Origin
deserts of the southwestern United States
Lifespan
5-8 years
Size
18-22mm
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Primary sources
Accepted name: Asbolus verrucosus LeConte, 1851
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Asbolus verrucosus (Tenebrionidae). Not CITES-listed. Not classified under Scarabaeoidea, so exempt from species identification certificate requirements.
Sources: CITES Appendix (checklist.cites.org)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Temperature
22〜32℃
Humidity
10〜30%
Vegetables, fruits, fish food
Dry enclosure with sand. Add rocks and bark pieces
No water dish needed. Gets moisture from vegetables
Can keep multiple together. Non-aggressive
Blue color is waxy coating. Turns black in high humidity
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Blue Death-Feigning Beetle is 22〜32℃. Recommended humidity is 10〜30%. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Blue Death-Feigning Beetle is 5-8 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Blue Death-Feigning Beetle typically reaches 18-22mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Blue Death-Feigning Beetle feeds on: Vegetables, fruits, fish food. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Blue Death-Feigning Beetle varies significantly depending on bloodline, size, captive-bred generation, and sex. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: June 24, 2026