
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)
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.