Possibly stupid question for keepers of beetles

[Rainbow]

This may be a dumb question, but I’m curious…

A lot of beetles can fly, and so far as I’m aware, they all have wings. I know that blue death feigning beetles don’t fly, but what about the others? Some of the flower beetles are absolutely beautiful, and I like a lot of beetles, I would enjoy keeping the adults. But how many of the commonly kept pet beetles just conveniently don’t fly? And assuming the beetles you keep do indeed like to flex their wings, do you need to give them a very large enclosure so that they can fly about? If so, do they not constantly bump into the enclosure walls?

Again, I love beetles, but it would feel kind of mean to keep a creature that is meant to fly in a space where it simply cannot, or where it couldn’t ever fly far enough to stretch and exercise its wings. I’m sure I’m anthropomorphising to some extent, but I’m just genuinely curious how it works for keepers who raise them in captivity for their whole life cycle. All experienced and knowledge would be appreciated!

 

[Introvertebrate]

Simple critters generally only exert themselves for a reason, like finding food or a mate. Some are programmed to migrate to warmer climates. If their needs are met, I'm inclined to think they'd rather not do much of anything.

 

[hibiscusmile]

I must be a beetle! haha. I feel the same way. Makes you sad.

 

[Introvertebrate]

I must be a beetle! haha. I feel the same way. Makes you sad.

I once saw a bumper sticker I could relate to. It said, "Not for love nor money will I leave the house."

 

[hibiscusmile]

That's my sister, she's a hermit.

 

[Introvertebrate]

That's my sister, she's a hermit.

Is she single.

 

[Rainbow]

Simple critters generally only exert themselves for a reason, like finding food or a mate. Some are programmed to migrate to warmer climates. If their needs are met, I'm inclined to think they'd rather not do much of anything.

So do they not fly when kept in captivity?

 

[Introvertebrate]

So do they not fly when kept in captivity?

If they do, it's an attempt to escape, find food, find a mate, etc.

 

[Synapze]

Is she single.