Australian Spider Beetle
Ptinus tectus
This record describes Ptinus tectus (species). Recorded family: Ptinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
unlike other NA Ptinus spp., is densely clothed with recumbent, fulvous hairs obscuring the integument, but, unlike Niptus hololeucus , has distinct shoulders and narrowly inserted antennae
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Bostrichoidea
- Family
- Ptinidae (Death-watch and Spider Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Ptininae
- Tribe
- Ptinini
- Genus
- Ptinus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
cosmopolitan (but uncommon in the tropics) ; native to Tasmania, introduced in NA from Australia and now transcontinental (NF-BC to... TBA)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ptinus tectus Boieldieu 1856 (conserved name)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ptinus tectus. 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 Australian Spider Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Australian Spider Beetle
What is Australian Spider Beetle?
Australian Spider Beetle (Ptinus tectus) is a species in the family Ptinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Australian Spider Beetle?
3-3.5 mm
How do you identify Australian Spider Beetle?
unlike other NA Ptinus spp., is densely clothed with recumbent, fulvous hairs obscuring the integument, but, unlike Niptus hololeucus , has distinct shoulders and narrowly inserted antennae
Where is Australian Spider Beetle found?
Range: cosmopolitan (but uncommon in the tropics) ; native to Tasmania, introduced in NA from Australia and now transcontinental (NF-BC to... TBA)