Keeping Pet Beetles

I am often asked how one might go about having a beetle as a pet. But, there are some important things to take into consideration before you invite an invertebrate to join your family.

First, make sure you know how to take care of your chosen beetle and replicate their natural habitat. You will find some useful information here, and this blog dedicated to Keeping Beetles As Pets has a helpful YouTube channel.

Second, you should buy beetles in pairs from legitimate suppliers (see below), a male and a female. These pairs will mate so be prepared for the eggs and beetle babies - or larvae - that may ensue. PLEASE NEVER TAKE BEETLES FROM THE WILD.

Third, adult beetles don't live that long, although if you learn about their life-cycle, you may find you can breed them. Large species live about 3 months. I keep Australian rainbow stag beetles because they live a bit longer - up to 12 months. My first female, Motty, died three weeks before her second birthday, which is a ripe old age for a beetle.

Fourth, you can only usually purchase adult beetles in the UK from the end of April / early May and through-out the summer months.

Fifth and finally, if you’re taking care of exotic non-native species then you MUST ensure they are kept contained and separate from the outside world, even once they've died.

Where Can You Get a Pet Beetle?

I would recommend these suppliers if you are thinking about getting a pet beetle and live in the UK:

BugZUK - provides Attenborough with bugs for filming and is the family home of Jess French (CBeebies Bug Hunt presenter)

The Spider Shop - They don't just sell spiders. I got my first beetles from these guys. They sell all the kit and are great to deal with.

Beetles As Pets - A great blog with lots of details of how to take care of beetles as well as a supply of larvae and adult beetles.

If you are undecided about what type of beetle you might like or whether you really do want one, I recommend that you take a trip to an invert fair and exhibition. They happen all over the UK, but the biggest one is run by the Amateur Entomological Society and takes place every year in October, at Kempton Racecourse. You will see all sorts of invertebrates, both dead and alive, and will soon know whether you want one. If you do fall in love, there will be lots of suppliers who will sell you the kit and your new pet on the day. I try to go every year, it’s a great day out.