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Adult smooth spider beetle (Gibbium psylloides)
Courtesy of Degesch Inc.
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Description
The smooth spider beetle (Gibbium psylloides) is about 2 - 3.2 mm long, shiny violet-red to black and does not fly. The adults have biting mouthparts, a well developed thorax and 11 - segmented antennae. They have a slight mite-like appearance and lack the characteristic waist-like constriction found in other spider beetle. Their legs and antennae are covered with shiny yellow hair. Characteristics which give them a spider- like appearance include a stout body and 6 long thin legs with 5 - segmented tarsi. The larvae grow up to 3.5 mm long, are yellow-white in colour and have a curled shape.
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Damage caused by smooth spider beetle
Courtesy of Degesch Inc.
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Damage
Smooth spider beetle larvae will infest all manner of dry animal and vegetable matter including broken grain or grain products, seeds, dried fruits or meats, wool, hair, feathers, rat and mouse droppings, insect and other animal remains, plant and animal museum specimens, books, dried mushrooms, animal feeds and sugar. The larvae bore holes in which to pupate, and in so doing may damage packaging or the commodities themselves. They also contaminate commodities with droppings and silk webbing. Adult beetles will also damage packaging including bags and sacks. Gregarious and nocturnal, they spend the day in cracks and crevices. |
