Asbolus Verrucosus
Blue Death Feigning Beetle
Herbivore: Eats rotting plants and seeds, lichens and fungus
Geography: Southwestern United States, Mexico
Habitat: Desert
Interesting facts:
- Their blue-ish tint comes from a wax they secrete to prevent dehydration
- They roll over on their backs to play dead when predators approach them
- They are a nocturnal species and characterized by their small appearance
- Unlike other Darkling Beetles, they do not secrete venomous chemicals to ward off predators
- They can play dead for hours if circumstances arise to do so
- They have rows of bumps on the doral exterior surface that run parallel across the body