Mezium americanum

(Laporte, 1840)

American spider beetle, black spider beetle

Mezium americanum, commonly known as the or black spider beetle, is a small stored-product pest in the . measure 1.5–3.5 mm and are recognized by their rounded , long slender legs, and black or reddish contrasting with a dull hairy body. The has a distribution and is considered in Australia. It is frequently mistaken for or due to its distinctive body shape.

Mezium americanum 2 by Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

The tobacco beetle BHL41830158 by Runner, G. A.. Used under a Public domain license.

Mezium americanum by K. Walker, Museum Victoria. Used under a CC BY 3.0 au license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Mezium americanum: /ˈmɛz.i.əm əˌmɛr.ɪˈkeɪ.nəm/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Distinguished from other by the combination of black or reddish contrasting with a dull hairy body, and the nearly cylindrical with blunt projections. The long, slender legs and (pale to yellow) help distinguish it from or it may be mistaken for. The overall spider-like appearance—rounded and long legs—is characteristic of the Mezium.

Images

Appearance

are 1.5–3.5 mm in length. The body is dull and covered with hairs. The are black or reddish. The is nearly cylindrical with blunt projections on each side. and legs are long, slender, and pale to yellow. are C-shaped, cream-colored with a brown .

Habitat

Associated with stored products and dry materials. Found in food facilities, warehouses, museums, and dwellings where dried goods, textiles, or animal materials are stored. Develops in dry conditions with suitable food substrates.

Distribution

distribution; present across multiple continents. Recorded as present in the Azores (Faial, São Miguel, Terceira). Considered an in Australia.

Diet

Feeds on stored animal and vegetable products including: nuts, beans, seeds, spices, cacao, powdered chocolate, cereals, meal, dried fruits, herbs, mushrooms, soup powder, fish meal, and bread. Also consumes leather, animal skins, bones, feathers, dried , , wool, textiles, old wood, books, dead and specimens, and taxidermy materials. Has been observed feeding on cayenne pepper, , and opium.

Life Cycle

with , larval, pupal, and stages. are C-shaped and cream-colored with . Development occurs within stored food substrates or dry materials.

Behavior

habits typical of stored-product in this group. and remain concealed within food materials or adjacent harborages.

Ecological Role

of dry matter; facilitates breakdown of stored and animal materials. Contributes to in human-associated environments.

Human Relevance

Significant pest of stored food products and museum collections. Infests pantries, food warehouses, and herbaria. Damage includes and consumption of foodstuffs, spices, and valuable materials including textiles, leather, books, and biological specimens.

Similar Taxa

Other Mezium speciesShare the characteristic rounded and long legs; require examination of elytral coloration and thoracic projections for definitive identification.
Ptinus spp.Other with similar body forms; distinguished by specific antennal and thoracic .
Spiders and mitesFrequently mistaken for due to rounded and long legs; distinguished by features including , , and six legs.

Misconceptions

Often mistaken for or due to its and physical appearance; it is unequivocally a ( ) with hardened ().

More Details

Taxonomic note

Previously placed in Ptininae; -level has been revised with now widely accepted as distinct from .