
Community identification
Smooth Spider Beetle
Gibbium aequinoctiale
- Order & Family
- Order: Coleoptera; Family: Ptinidae
- Size
- 1.5 mm to 3.5 mm in length
Natural Habitat
Often found indoors in kitchens, pantries, warehouses, and old buildings where dried organic matter is present.
Diet & Feeding
Scavenger; eats a wide variety of dried organic materials including flour, seeds, dried fruit, grains, animal droppings, and even dried animal hides.
Behavior Patterns
They are nocturnal and slow-moving. Generally flightless, their globular, shiny abdomen gives them a spider-like appearance which serves as a form of mimicry.
Risks & Benefits
They do not bite or sting and are not a health threat to humans. However, they are considered pests as they can contaminate and damage stored food products and household items.