A type of lady beetle native to the southwestern United States is called the blue beetle. They are called They are called “blue death feigning beetles” because they have a unique ability to appear lifeless in the face of threats from predators. This beetle is known to have a high heat resistance. Their legs are a steel blue color, like the rest of their body. Deadly beetles feed on plant and animal remains because they are omnivores. These beetles are now popular as pets because of their unique properties.
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Blue Death Feigning Beetles Species, Types, and Scientific Name
Common names for Asbolus verrucosus include desert iron beetle. And the beetle pretends to be blue. This beetle originates from the southwestern region of the United States. Although they can be found throughout North America, especially in Mexico, But this plant is common in the Sonoran Desert.
The false blue beetle belongs to the family. Tenebrionidae They are often called ladybugs. which is a large family of beetles This family includes more than 20,000 species of beetles. Asbolus verrucosus is one of the dark-colored beetles that have evolved to survive in dry climates. The Asbolus verrucosus beetle is very famous for its ability to survive. In extremely hot conditions
Their deep blue color is referenced in their common name. “Blue Beetles That Play Dead” Everything about them is blue. Even its organs This is due to their ability to survive in extremely hot desert conditions. Therefore, this type of insect has a common name. Known as “iron desert beetles,” their proper name is “verrucosus,” which means “warty,” referring to the prominent bumps on the elytra.
Appearance: How To Identify Blue Death Feigning Beetles
Blue Death Feigning Beetles Disguised Insects have a powdery blue color. Wax covers the exoskeleton to give it color. An adaptation that protects insects from moisture loss is a wax coating. When exposed to high levels of humidity The blue color will become darker.
The body size of the Iron Desert Beetle is approximately 18–21 mm (0.71–0.83 in) from head to abdomen. The “warty bumps” on the elytra serve as its characteristic feature. Males are generally smaller than females. There are coarse red hairs on his whiskers.
To frighten away predators Most beetles can secrete toxic protective substances. However, Asbolus verrucosus is not protected from this. This insect’s defense mechanism is to feign death when it feels attacked. They just turn over and move their legs as if they are dead to avoid predators because they have no wings.
Many insectivores, such as spiders, may tolerate these insects dying because they prefer to eat only live food. These insects’ ability to withstand extreme heat is another adaptation. Insects are protected by devotion by the united and warty Elithra.
Habitat: Where to find Blue Death Feigning Beetles
A blue beetle that comes from the desert southwest of the United States. Most people find it in the Sonoran Desert, however the insect’s distribution also includes neighboring states, Mexico and Canada.
Because of its resistance to drought conditions This beetle is therefore often called the desert beetle. They adapted a light blue wax coating on the exoskeleton to resist heat loss and water loss in dry environments. May release more wax. This depends on the surrounding humidity. Beetles secrete more wax when humidity is low. This causes their color to change to a light blue. If there is too much moisture, it will turn completely black.
This type of beetle is easy to care for, so many people keep it as a pet. This is because they tolerate different humidity levels and eat a wide variety of foods. They thrive in captivity.
Diet: What Do Blue Death Feigning Beetles Eat?
The iron desert beetle has a very diverse diet and eats both plants and animals. The same is true for most ladybugs. They eat plant and animal remains as food. They are successfully kept in captivity by eating vegetables, fruit, shrimp, lichens, and dead insects. and dog and cat food This is because they have little muscle. Dawn and dusk are therefore the times when they are most active during the day.
What Eats Blue Death Feigning Beetles?
Insects such as the blue stag beetle They fall prey to spiders, birds, rodents, and reptiles. However, this beetle has evolved a defense mechanism that allows it to avoid its prey. When they feel threatened, they turn around and become very violent. This is how insects survive no matter how long they go without eating. This adaptation helps them fight off predators in their natural habitat. As long as they aren’t surprised.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q. What can live with blue death feigning beetles?
Blue beetles can be great insects for those who keep them as pets. They get along well with velvet ants, scorpions, and other beetles. This is because they are not friendly and are quite adaptable. Additionally, because they are scavengers. They therefore have no problem adapting to the food sources around them.
Q. Why are they called blue death feigning beetles?
The name “beetle playing death” refers to the insect’s ability to simulate death in the event of a predator attack. They are able to fight off predators thanks to their adaptability. The blue color on their body is indicated by the word “blue” in their name. The blue wax that covers the insect’s body and other parts protects it from heat and humidity.
Q. How big do blue death feigning beetles get
The blue feigning beetle is a small insect. From head to abdomen They can reach a maximum length of approximately 18–21 mm (0.71–0.83 in).
Q. How long do blue death feigning beetles live in captivity?
Blue ladybugs are known to live up to eight years if kept as pets. They are able to thrive in a variety of habitats due to their high degree of adaptability.
