Bug Identifier
Spider Beetle
Community identification

Spider Beetle

Mezium affine (or Ptinus sp.)

Order & Family
Order: Coleoptera; Family: Ptinidae
Size
1.5 mm to 4 mm (1/16 to 3/16 inches)
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Typically found in dark, damp locations such as crawl spaces, basements, warehouses, and attics. They are often found in organic debris or old buildings.

Diet & Feeding

Scavengers that consume a wide variety of organic matter including dried plant materials, seeds, animal droppings, dead insects, woolen fabrics, and stored pantry goods.

Behavior Patterns

They are nocturnal and slow-moving. Their humped, shiny abdomens and long legs give them a spider-like appearance. They can survive long periods without food and tolerate cold temperatures.

Risks & Benefits

They do not bite or transmit diseases, but they are considered a nuisance pest as they can contaminate stored food products and damage natural fibers or museum specimens.