This beetle is very similar to
the Australian Spider Beetle but what makes this beetle stand
out are the golden hairs which cover it's back and head. It
can feed on almost anything and when it appears in a house
the source of infestation could be dead chicks in a birds nest
in the roof space combined with a collection of seeds which
were going to be used next year. Now and again this beetle
has been recorded as a pest of textiles.
In addition to the usual wide variety of products that are
generally attacked by spider beetles, the adults and larvae
of this species feed on woolens, linens, and natural silks,
particularly if the fabrics are soiled with grease. The beetles
are most commonly found in vegetable and animal debris in
warehouses, poorly kept storerooms, cellars, and old houses,
and sometimes occur in considerable numbers. They shun light,
but move actively in the dark. The nests of bees, wasps,
and birds provide their natural habitats.
Description: The
adults are 3 to 4.5 mm long and golden yellow, with long, silky
hairs covering the fused elytra. Flight wings are absent.
Life
Cycle: Oviposition and the appearance of the eggs and larvae
are similar to their equivalents in Ptinus ocellus. The eggs
hatch in 11 to 20 days at 64 to 68° F (18 to 20°C); the larval
period lasts about 150 days; and the pupal period, 18 to
26 days. The adults may live as long as 250 days. |
Flour
Beetles 
