Shiny Spider Beetle
Mezium affine
This record describes Mezium affine (species). Recorded family: Ptinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
see here and earliest record in our area: ne. US 1904
Identification notes
see here and
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Bostrichoidea
- Family
- Ptinidae (Death-watch and Spider Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Ptininae
- Tribe
- Meziini
- Genus
- Mezium
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
As in M. americanum
Geographic Range
mostly nothern and southern latitudes. In Canada, NS to SK; BC - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Mezium affine Boieldieu 1856
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mezium affine. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Shiny Spider Beetle (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Shiny Spider Beetle
What is Shiny Spider Beetle?
Shiny Spider Beetle (Mezium affine) is a species in the family Ptinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Shiny Spider Beetle?
2.5–3.4 mm
How do you identify Shiny Spider Beetle?
see here and
Where is Shiny Spider Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | As in M. americanum |
| Range | mostly nothern and southern latitudes. In Canada, NS to SK; BC - Map |