{"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\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","brand":"Ty Dye Exotics","offers":[{"title":"Wild Caught Adults","offer_id":52533219557685,"sku":null,"price":6.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0977\/8885\/4581\/files\/cryptoglossa_variolosa_black_death_feigning_beetle_for_sale_live_arrival_guarantee.jpg?v=1775226318","url":"https:\/\/tydyeexotic.com\/products\/cryptoglossa-variolosa-black-death-feigning-beetle-native-desert-darkling-beetle-live-arrival-guarantee","provider":"Ty Dye Exotics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}