What is blue death feigning beetle?

The blue death feigning beetle (Asbolus verrucosus) is a species of darkling beetle that is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. They are commonly found in arid desert regions, where they inhabit sandy soils and rocky areas.

These beetles are known for their unique defense mechanism of feigning death when threatened. When threatened, they will tuck in their legs and antennae and remain motionless, sometimes even emitting a foul-smelling fluid from their joints to deter predators. This behavior has earned them the nickname "blue death feigning beetle" because they often appear to turn a bluish color when playing dead.

Blue death feigning beetles are primarily scavengers, feeding on decaying plant material and detritus in their environment. They are also known to feed on small insects and larvae.

These beetles are relatively easy to care for in captivity and are popular pets among insect enthusiasts. They are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and humidity levels. In captivity, they can be fed a diet of fruits, vegetables, and other plant materials.

Blue death feigning beetles are not considered pests and are generally harmless to humans. They play an important role in their ecosystem by aiding in the decomposition of organic matter.