American Spider Beetle

Indoors in pantries, warehouses, museums, and other structures where food or animal products are stored. They prefer dark, damp environments.

Omnivorous, feeding on a wide range of materials including dried foods, spices, seeds, grains, pet food, wool, leather, dried fruit, and even museum specimens.

Nocturnal; they are scavengers and are especially attracted to dark, dusty, undisturbed areas. When disturbed, they often feign death by tucking in their legs and antennae. Their larvae are C-shaped and also feed on stored products.

Potential risk as a household and stored product pest, contaminating food and other stored goods. They do not bite or transmit diseases to humans. No known direct benefits to humans or the ecosystem.