Mezium

Members of Mezium can be distinguished from other spider beetle genera by their placement in tribe Meziini. Species-level identification requires examination of specific morphological characters; for example, Mezium affine is recognized by its shiny appearance, while Mezium americanum is known as the black spider beetle.

Primary natural habitat is caves, where populations feed on animal feces and bat guano. Species have been observed in coastal areas and regions with Mediterranean climate. Several species occupy human-made structures including barns and chicken coops.

Distributed throughout most of the world with two centers of concentration: (1) an area extending from the Iberian Peninsula to Morocco, including the Canary Islands, and (2) an area extending through central and southern Africa. Several recently described species are African endemics. Distribution records from GBIF indicate presence in Norway (NO) and Sweden (SE).

Feeds on animal feces, especially bat guano in cave habitats. Diet in human-associated habitats has been observed but not specifically documented.

• bat - guano sourcebat guano serves as primary food source in cave habitats

Adaptable to human-made structures; populations have been documented in barns and chicken coops.

Contributes to decomposition of animal feces and guano in cave ecosystems.

Some species have adapted to human-made structures including barns and chicken coops, potentially serving as stored product pests or nuisance insects in these settings.

• other Ptininae generaMezium belongs to tribe Meziini, distinguishing it from other spider beetle genera in the same subfamily

• spider beetles
• cave-dwelling
• guano-feeding
• cosmopolitan distribution
• Mediterranean climate
• human-associated

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life