{"title":"Beetles","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"mezium-affine-shiny-spider-beetle-beautiful-pet-species-with-velvety-faces-live-arrival-guarantee","title":"Mezium affine – Shiny Spider Beetle | Beautiful Pet Species with Velvety Faces | Live Arrival Guarantee","description":"\u003ch3\u003eSize, life stage \u0026amp; quantity options\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eChoose the exact option from the product selector before adding this item to your cart.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eQuantity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12 Count\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eQuantity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 25 Count\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eCount labels state the number of animals in the selected pack. Cart quantity is the number of packs you order.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor a quantity, sex, or life stage not specified in your chosen option, \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003econtact Isopod King\u003c\/a\u003e before purchasing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eSpecies and appearance\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMezium affine\u003c\/em\u003e, the Shiny Spider Beetle, is a small beetle with a rounded, shiny brown to reddish-brown abdomen and paler legs and antennae. Surface reflections can change its appearance in photographs; blue and purple breeding colors are not confirmed for this stock.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCulture care\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eKeep the culture securely contained and well ventilated. Spider beetles can feed on dry stored foods, so keep the culture separate from pantry goods and other insect cultures. Check food, moisture and cleanliness regularly; this is a living culture rather than a maintenance-free setup. Remove spoiled food and avoid persistent wet conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBefore ordering\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe selected count option states the pack quantity. Adult measurements, age, sex, and a fixed feeding or hydration schedule are not confirmed here. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003eAsk keeper support\u003c\/a\u003e for current culture details and stock-specific guidance.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCovered by our Live Arrival Guarantee, subject to our \u003ca href=\"\/policies\/shipping-policy\"\u003eShipping Policy\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/policies\/refund-policy\"\u003eRefund Policy\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ty Dye Exotics","offers":[{"title":"12 Count","offer_id":43892178911293,"sku":"sku-52081874436405","price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"25 Count","offer_id":43892178944061,"sku":"sku-52081874469173","price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0250\/8865\/5405\/files\/mezium_affine_spider_beetles.jpg?v=1793087083"},{"product_id":"cryptoglossa-variolosa-black-death-feigning-beetle-native-desert-darkling-beetle-live-arrival-guarantee","title":"Cryptoglossa variolosa – Black Death Feigning Beetle | Native Desert Darkling Beetle | Live Arrival Guarantee","description":"\u003ch2\u003eCryptoglossa variolosa – Black Death Feigning Beetle\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ch3\u003eSize, life stage \u0026amp; quantity options\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eChoose the exact option from the product selector before adding this item to your cart.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize \/ stock option:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wild Caught Adults\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor a quantity, sex, or life stage not specified in your chosen option, \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003econtact Isopod King\u003c\/a\u003e before purchasing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDramatic name, charming personality. The \u003cstrong\u003eBlack Death Feigning Beetle\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eCryptoglossa variolosa\u003c\/em\u003e) is a native North American darkling beetle found across the arid deserts of the American Southwest — a tough, long-lived, and endlessly entertaining invertebrate that has earned a devoted following in the hobby. When threatened, this beetle flips onto its back and plays dead with theatrical commitment — a defense behavior so convincing it gave the entire group their unforgettable common name.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMatte black, rugged, and surprisingly personable, \u003cem\u003eC. variolosa\u003c\/em\u003e is one of the best beginner invertebrates available — and a perennial favorite for display enclosures, bioactive setups, and anyone who wants a low-maintenance pet with genuine character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhy Collectors Love This Species\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIconic death-feigning behavior\u003c\/strong\u003e — flips onto its back and plays dead when startled; endlessly entertaining and a great conversation starter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExtremely long-lived\u003c\/strong\u003e — with proper care, these beetles can live several years; a long-term companion invertebrate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBeginner-friendly\u003c\/strong\u003e — hardy, forgiving, and easy to care for; one of the best entry-level invertebrates in the hobby\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNative desert species\u003c\/strong\u003e — locally adapted to arid conditions; thrives in simple, dry setups\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommunal-friendly\u003c\/strong\u003e — can be kept in groups; a colony makes for a dynamic and active display enclosure\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNon-venomous and safe to handle\u003c\/strong\u003e — a rare handleable invertebrate that even kids can enjoy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCare Overview\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sonoran \u0026amp; Mojave Deserts, American Southwest (New World)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 0.75–1 inch\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Docile and handleable; will feign death when startled\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEnclosure:\u003c\/strong\u003e Well-ventilated terrestrial setup; screen-top or cross-ventilated enclosure ideal\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSubstrate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dry sand or sandy coco fiber mix, 2–3 inches deep; cork bark or flat rocks for hiding\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 72–90°F; tolerates high heat well\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHumidity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20–40%; keep it very dry — moisture is the primary cause of death in captivity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dried leaf litter, dried mushrooms, grains, vegetables, and occasional protein (dried shrimp or fish flakes); feed every few days\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eLive Arrival Guarantee\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery Black Death Feigning Beetle ships with our \u003cstrong\u003eLive Arrival Guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e. In the rare event your animal arrives deceased, photo and video documentation of the animal in the original, unopened packaging is required to process a DOA claim. Please review our full policy before purchasing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-arrival-photo-instructions=\"email\"\u003eReport a live-arrival problem within one hour of carrier-recorded delivery or pickup. Email \u003ca href=\"mailto:support@isopodking.com\"\u003esupport@isopodking.com\u003c\/a\u003e with your order number, clear photos of the affected animals and all packaging, and a brief description. The contact form does not accept photo attachments. Keep the animals, products, and packaging until the claim is resolved. Send any video documentation required by this listing to the same email address. Coverage and resolutions follow our \u003ca href=\"\/policies\/shipping-policy\"\u003eShipping Policy\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/policies\/refund-policy\"\u003eRefund Policy\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ty Dye Exotics","offers":[{"title":"Wild Caught Adults","offer_id":43892186447933,"sku":"sku-52533219557685","price":6.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0250\/8865\/5405\/files\/cryptoglossa_variolosa_black_death_feigning_beetle_for_sale_live_arrival_guarantee.jpg?v=1793087191"},{"product_id":"asbolus-verrucosus-blue-death-feigning-beetle-adorable-desert-pet-live-arrival-guarantee","title":"Asbolus verrucosus – Blue Death Feigning Beetle | Adorable Desert Pet | Live Arrival Guarantee","description":"\u003ch2\u003e🪲 Blue Death Feigning Beetle — \u003cem\u003eAsbolus verrucosus\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ch3\u003eSize, life stage \u0026amp; quantity options\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eChoose the exact option from the product selector before adding this item to your cart.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize \/ stock option:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wild Caught Adult\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor a quantity, sex, or life stage not specified in your chosen option, \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003econtact Isopod King\u003c\/a\u003e before purchasing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eImagine setting up a stunning desert vivarium — layers of warm sand, scattered rocks, a few dried botanicals — and then watching a small, powder-blue beetle dramatically flop onto its back the moment you open the lid. That's the \u003cstrong\u003eBlue Death Feigning Beetle\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eAsbolus verrucosus\u003c\/em\u003e), and it never stops being adorable.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNative to the arid deserts of the American Southwest and northern Mexico, these little darkling beetles have won over collectors not for their utility, but for their \u003cem\u003epersonality\u003c\/em\u003e. Their striking waxy blue coating, their theatrical death-feigning response, and their surprisingly long lifespan make them one of the most charming invertebrates you can keep. They're the drama queens of the desert — and we mean that in the best possible way.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e🏜️ The Perfect Desert Scape Inhabitant\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf you're building a naturalistic desert vivarium, \u003cem\u003eAsbolus verrucosus\u003c\/em\u003e is a must. They thrive in the same hot, dry conditions that define a great arid setup, and they look absolutely stunning moving across a sandy substrate. A well-designed enclosure for these beetles mimics their natural Sonoran and Chihuahuan Desert habitat: a deep substrate of layered sand, clay, and organic debris that allows for burrowing and natural behavior. Think 4–6 inches of substrate minimum, with variation in texture and density throughout the layers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sonoran \u0026amp; Chihuahuan Deserts (USA\/Mexico)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e ~1.5–2 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5–8+ years with proper care\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75–95°F (24–35°C)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHumidity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Low — 20–40% (arid\/desert conditions); adequate ventilation is essential\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Beginner-friendly — one of the easiest beetles to keep\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003e🍖 Feeding\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThese beetles are protein-hungry scavengers. Their primary diet staple is \u003cstrong\u003edry dog food\u003c\/strong\u003e — a surprisingly effective and nutritious base. Supplement regularly with fresh fruits and produce (apple slices, cucumber, berries) for hydration and additional nutrition. They don't need a standing water dish; moisture from fresh food is typically sufficient in a well-maintained arid setup.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e👥 Housing \u0026amp; Colony Keeping\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAsbolus verrucosus\u003c\/em\u003e are communal as adults and can be kept in large groups without issue — as long as the enclosure is adequately ventilated. A colony of these beetles moving through a desert scape is genuinely one of the coolest things to watch. They are non-aggressive, safe to handle, and endlessly entertaining.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA note on breeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e While it has been done, breeding \u003cem\u003eAsbolus verrucosus\u003c\/em\u003e is considered quite tricky. Larvae are cannibalistic and must be separated to raise successfully. For most keepers, a communal adult colony is the way to go — low maintenance, long-lived, and always putting on a show.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e🦂 Bonus: Desert Scorpion Tank Compatible\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eBlue Death Feigning Beetles are sometimes used as cleanup crew in desert scorpion enclosures, where they help break down organic waste in arid conditions. \u003cem\u003eNote: they are not suitable for tarantula enclosures\u003c\/em\u003e, as they may chew on a molting spider — keep them with scorpions only.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLive Arrival Guarantee:\u003c\/strong\u003e All orders are covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee. In the rare event of a DOA, photo and\/or video documentation is required to process a claim. Please inspect your package upon arrival.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-arrival-photo-instructions=\"email\"\u003eReport a live-arrival problem within one hour of carrier-recorded delivery or pickup. Email \u003ca href=\"mailto:support@isopodking.com\"\u003esupport@isopodking.com\u003c\/a\u003e with your order number, clear photos of the affected animals and all packaging, and a brief description. The contact form does not accept photo attachments. Keep the animals, products, and packaging until the claim is resolved. Send any video documentation required by this listing to the same email address. Coverage and resolutions follow our \u003ca href=\"\/policies\/shipping-policy\"\u003eShipping Policy\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/policies\/refund-policy\"\u003eRefund Policy\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ty Dye Exotics","offers":[{"title":"Wild Caught Adult","offer_id":43892186906685,"sku":"sku-53116538978613","price":12.49,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0250\/8865\/5405\/files\/asbolus_verrucosus_blue_death_feigning_beetle.jpg?v=1793087192"}],"url":"https:\/\/isopodking.com\/collections\/exotic-beetles.oembed","provider":"ISOPOD KING","version":"1.0","type":"link"}