Blue Death Feigning Beetle Natural History
Size
These beetles grow to a size of 18-21mm.
Habitat and Distribution
This species of beetle is native to the deserts of the south western United States, mainly the Sonoran desert.
Age
They can live for over 10 years.
Diet
The Death Feigning Beetle is an omnivore feeding on fruit, insects, carrion and sometimes plant matter.
Groups and Breeding
Males are slightly smaller than females and they have red hairs on their antennae. Females lay eggs after mating with a male which hatch into larvae.
Threats
This species is not listed on the IUCN RED list.
Interesting Facts
Their species name, verrucosus means ‘warty’ and is name they’ve earned from if the bumps across their abdomen. They are also known to feign death when they feel threatened.
The Blue Death Feigning Beetle During Your Day Out in Kent
Our Death Feigning Beetles can be seen in the Botanical Gardens alongside a wide variety of other species such as the Sunny Stick Insect, White Clawed Crayfish and African Giant Millipede.