But it's been over a year since I made a captive of the Diabolical Ironclad Beetle that one of my students found outside our classroom door.
In that time it has thrived on a diet consisting merely of sliced baby carrots (new ones thrown in once every few weeks). I have cleaned its jar exactly once. It is by far the easiest and hardiest pet I have ever had.
So, to all the past, present, and future little kids of the world who would capture bugs, put them in a glass jar, and throw some grass in there, only to have them die within hours or days, I say:
Eat your heart out, suckaz!
¡Viva El Escarabajo Blindado Diabólico!
(Further info: See my Orange County Organisms post on Phloedes diabolicum.)
