{"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","url":"https:\/\/isopodking.com\/products\/cryptoglossa-variolosa-black-death-feigning-beetle-native-desert-darkling-beetle-live-arrival-guarantee","provider":"ISOPOD KING","version":"1.0","type":"link"}