Hairy Robot Beetle Advice?

[Poffypoffa]

Just bought three of these cute little guys at a show today. Currently on about 50% coco and 50% sand. Anyone have these and have any substrate advice? The majority of sources I can find online (and the seller) say keep them bone dry. I see some photos of them on sand alone, and some on coco mixes. Maybe it just doesn’t matter? Any advice is appreciated!

 

[Tbone192]

I have not owned this species, I have kept death feigning beetles. Coco and sand sounds perfectly reasonable to me but try binging it down to 80-85% sand with 15-20% coco. Edrotes ventricosus are built to live in hot arid places, tenebrionids are really good at retaining moisture. They secrete a waxy substance and have thick chitin. They may venture to moister regions occasionally so keep a small corner of exposed damp coco fiber. Cross ventilation and throw in some areas to hide, you are set. They seem to be picky eaters from what I have read, having preference for lettuce and sunflower seeds. Very hardy, active, and interesting species only downside is short lifespan.

 

[Poffypoffa]

I have not owned this species, I have kept death feigning beetles. Coco and sand sounds perfectly reasonable to me but try binging it down to 80-85% sand with 15-20% coco. Edrotes ventricosus are built to live in hot arid places, tenebrionids are really good at retaining moisture. They secrete a waxy substance and have thick chitin. They may venture to moister regions occasionally so keep a small corner of exposed damp coco fiber. Cross ventilation and throw in some areas to hide, you are set. They seem to be picky eaters from what I have read, having preference for lettuce and sunflower seeds. Very hardy, active, and interesting species only downside is short lifespan.

Thanks very much for this! I'm experimenting a bit with food--so far they've munched on spinach, and I'm trying carrot tonight. They did not seem interested in doing anything with bug jelly other than walk on it and fill it with dirt. I did throw in a piece of mealworm tonight, as I understand they'll scavenge on dead insects as well.