Facts: Spider Beetle[divider]
Name:
Mezium americanum
Appearance:
The spider beetle averages 3mm long when measured front to back, and has long and slender legs that appear similar to that of a spider. It body is a dull yellow and glossy black in color and appears almost spherical in shape. They are sometimes confused with bed bugs, as there are some similarities and both are very tiny.
Habit:
Spider beetles are scavengers and can live in extreme temperatures with almost no food or water. This makes it very easy for them to survive year-round. They are attracted to damp areas and will eat everything from stored food products to animal feces.
Health/Damage Concerns:
Spider beetles can be a very big concern for food manufactures and even for the common house hold. These pests will lay their eggs inside of broken grains so that their young can feed on it once hatched. Since they are extremely resilient to even the most difficult environmental conditions like extreme cold, they can infest refrigerated food products and contaminate large quantities of stored food.
Diet:
Scavenger diet. Will eat everything from dried grain-products and dried food matter to wood, hair, and other insects.
Reproduction:
Usually seen during the spring, females will lay their eggs near a food source such as grain so that they can use it as a food source. Larvae generally take three months to completely develop to the adult stage going through three molt stages.