This care guide is for any of the community desert beetles we carry, including Blue Death Feigning Beetles and Eleodes darkling beetles.
These beetles are from the desert, so it’s important to keep them dry. For my own setups, I use a sand/dirt mixture where about 3/4 is completely dry. The other 1/4 is kept moist with frequent watering and acts as a hydration station and a good place for the beetles to deposit eggs and larvae. When using this approach, it’s important to keep the enclosure well ventilated to make sure moisture and humidity does not built up.
Water: Do not give a water bowl or an area where the beetles can submerge themselves. Fresh veggies and fruits can be offered occasionally and an area of the enclosure (such as a corner or one end of a larger setup) can be watered and kept moist. Do not get the beetles wet or spray them directly.
Food: These beetles are omnivores and should get a varied diet. Fresh veggies should be offered about once a week (carrots and broccoli are always a hit), and fish food is a great staple for protein. They will also eat dead feeder insects, freeze dried shrimp, bee pollen, crested gecko diet, and even munch on leaf litter. Experiment with your beetles to see what they enjoy the most!
Temperature: Room temperature is sufficient for desert beetles and they can handle lower and higher temperature swings as long as they aren’t for prolonged periods of time. Some people like to provide supplemental heat, but it isn’t usually necessary and should be done with caution and always with a thermostat.
Lighting: No special lighting is required but they do benefit from having a day/night cycle. An LED light can provide this and make it easier to view them during the day.
Blue Death Feigning Beetles: The “blue” comes from a waxy secretion that the beetles make to help them lock in moisture. If your beetle gets wet or the air is too moist, they will turn black instead of blue. This is a good indicator that your enclosure is too moist! Once they dry out again, the blue color will return after a few days.
For more reading, check out our article: Community Desert Beetle Habitat With Isopods
