Spider Beetles
Ptininae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Polyphaga
- Superfamily: Bostrichoidea
- Family: Ptinidae
- Subfamily: Ptininae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ptininae: /ˈptaɪnɪˌniː/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Ptininae is a subfamily of spider beetles within the family Ptinidae, consisting of approximately 70 genera and 600 species globally, known for their scavenging habits and resemblance to spiders.
Physical Characteristics
Round bodies with long, slender legs; many species flightless; generally 1–5 mm long; body constricted between prothorax and elytra, pronotum often with humps, elytra often with shoulders reduced.
Identification Tips
Antennae are free and filiform with bases proximate; resemblance to spiders due to long legs and body shape.
Habitat
Mammal, bird, and bee nests; dry carrion; tree holes; some species found in homes, granaries, mills, and warehouses.
Distribution
Cosmopolitan distribution; many species associated with stored products across North America.
Diet
Larvae and adults are scavengers on dry plant or animal matter; some species are wood-borers as larvae; some exhibit myrmecophilic behavior.
Life Cycle
Reproduce at the rate of two to three generations per year.
Ecosystem Role
Scavengers that help in the decomposition of dry organic matter.
Economic Impact
Some species associated with stored products can be pests in granaries and warehouses.
Evolution
Formerly considered part of the family Anobiidae, but reclassified into Ptinidae.
Similar Taxa
- Anobiinae
- Gibbiinae
Misconceptions
Some species resemble spiders, leading to confusion in identification between spiders and beetles.
Tags
- beetles
- Ptininae
- scavengers
- insects
- entomology