The Blue Death Feigning Beetle is probably our most kid-friendly animal. Their reinforced exoskeleton and slow-moving, clumsy nature makes them a great beetle for first-time-bug-ambassador-encounters. They typically join us at every outreach event.
Home Range: Southwestern United States
Habitat: Lives in the desert, in moderately moist soil
Wild Diet: Fresh and decaying vegetation
Life Span: Can live up to 10 years!
Did you know? Blue death feigning beetles are actually black in color, the blue is a powdery substance secreted by the beetle for sun protection. What do you think is this beetle’s primary response when it senses danger? The hint is in the name.