Beetle with worms??

[Jennymegg]

I very, very recently got four blue death feigning beetles and they’ve been doing great. Until five minutes ago when I saw what looked like a tiny white worm sticking out of my largest female’s butt. So panic has set in and I’m incredibly worried about my tiny friends. Hoping somebody knows something, I haven’t been able to find any info

 

[fried rice]

Unfortunately, that is probably a parasite. There is not much you can do to save it, but once the worm comes out, remove it from the enclosure.

 

[Jennymegg]

I rushed and separated Jolene from the others, dumped the substrate and ran their tank and hidey rocks under scalding hot water so hopefully the others will be fine. I’ve been keeping an eye on them and they seem fine so fingers crossed. Thanks so much for the swift reply

 

[ColeopteraC]

Is any of you’re decor or substrate from the wild? When taking wild or even buying substrate or decor always heat, freeze or wash it well to remove any parasites present. I’d heat up all your substrate and decor as well as washing the tank to remove the parasites.

 

[Jennymegg]

Nothing from the wild, I bought their hollowed out rocks from a pet store and boiled them before I put them in their tank. She hasn’t been nearly as active as my other three from the time I got them and she’s much bigger, I figured she was just a much older beetle but now I’m wondering if it was because of the parasite.

 

[ColeopteraC]

If they were wild caught (likely) then she may just have parasites, there’s nothing much you could do than separate her. Judging from the fact none of the other beetles have become lethargic or have presented any of the symptoms I doubt it’s badly contagious.

 

[Jennymegg]

Should I just sit back and let nature take its course? I hate to think she’s in pain.

 

[ColeopteraC]

Should I just sit back and let nature take its course? I hate to think she’s in pain.

I suppose you could euthanise her (simply put her in the freezer) That would be the most humane option if she is in pain. It is difficult to tell and ultimately your decision...