With summer on the way, it’s about time for Japanese kids to go out and hunt for pet beetles. Some seek out the creatures in their natural habitat, while others go to stores and buy some of the beetles shipped to Japan by Colombian bug breeder German Viasus:

Viasus seems to feel as much affection for the insects as do his Asian clients, possibly because his business, which is approved by both Colombian and Japanese governments, is so lucrative. He ships 300 giant beetles a month that retail for as much as $350 each in Tokyo pet stores.

“The beetles have a personality and know those of us who take care of them,” Viasus said. “They are calm around us, but like dogs they get nervous around strangers or if they think someone is going to hurt them.”

Viasus smiled as half a dozen of the dark brown creatures ranged over his shirt. “If I produced 1,000 beetles a day,” he said, “I could sell them all.”

Read the full story in the LA Times.