American Spider Beetle

Natural Habitat

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

Diet & Feeding

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

Behavior Patterns

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.

Risks & Benefits

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.

Identified on: 10/22/2025