Origin:
Possibly unknown, as it is now found throughout the world. There are several hundred species of spider beetles, of which at least 24 species are associated with food products.
Biology:
Spider beetles in general are omnivores, and this species is known to feed as a scavenger on many foods such as dried mushrooms, animal feces, feathers, dead insects, dried fruit, grains, etc. It is partial to materials that may be in poor condition, somewhat damp, and moldy, and its presence may indicate an unsanitary condition that should be discovered and removed or cleaned. Damage to books or other non-food items occurs as the larvae bore into them to construct a chamber or cell in which to pupate. Spider beetles derive this name due to their appearance. They have very round elytra, a round thorax, and long, thin antennae and legs, and in general present the appearance of a small, hump-backed spider. They are resistant to cold temperatures, making them more difficult to control by this method.
Identification:
The Brown Spider Beetle is a uniform brown color over its entire body, without any white hairs or scales. It is medium sized for spider beetles, being about 2.5 to 3.2 mm long. Its elytra are more elongate and egg shaped than they are round.
Characteristicts Important to Control:
Control of dampness and spoilage of food materials is important, as these beetles are drawn to foods in poor condition. Sanitation to eliminate the accumulation of dead insects or animal carcasses, or the feces of birds or rodents, will decrease the occurrence of the beetles in a structure.
