Ptinus villiger
Reitter, 1884
Hairy Spider Beetle
Ptinus villiger is a of spider beetle in the Ptinidae, commonly known as the Hairy Spider Beetle. It has been documented across Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. The species belongs to a known for stored product pest species, though specific habits of P. villiger are less well documented.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ptinus villiger: /ˈptɪnəs ˈvɪlɪdʒər/
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Identification
Distinguished from other Ptinus by its densely hairy (villose) , which gives the species its name. The specific epithet 'villiger' refers to this hairy condition. Separation from requires examination of setal and pattern, as well as genitalic characters.
Distribution
Recorded from Europe and Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America including the Canadian province of Alberta.
Human Relevance
As a member of the spider beetle Ptinus, it may occur in association with stored products and human dwellings, though its economic significance relative to other Ptinus has not been specifically documented.
Similar Taxa
- Ptinus furAnother hairy Ptinus ; distinguished by differences in setal arrangement and
- Ptinus sexpunctatusCommon stored product spider beetle with which P. villiger may co-occur; differs in elytral markings and setal characteristics
More Details
Taxonomic note
The placement has been treated variously as Anobiidae or Ptinidae in different sources; current classification recognizes Ptinidae as a valid family.