What's Eating Your Collection?

Australian spider beetle Ptinus tectus

Adult
Size: 3-4mm

Shape: round thorax, round body. Spider-like.

Colour: Dark brown

Antennae: Long, no club

Distinguishing features: Wing cases with lines and hairs, spider-like.

Larvae are scavengers of: dried food, dried plants.

Damage: Round exit holes, tunnels in food, frass.

Adults eat: Very little but do drink water and are long lived

Often found on: bird's nests, dead animals and insects

Note: the larvae excavate cavities when they pupate, which they do in a silk cocoon. They may damage books, paper and wood.
Drawing of adult
on trap

Australian spider beetle Ptinus tectus

100%
Drawing of adult
on trap