Adults are morphologically similar to other spider beetle species, notably the hairy spider beetle (Ptinus villiger).[2] It is red-brown with yellow hairs, and measures 2.0–4.3 millimetres (0.08–0.17 in) in length. The prothorax is densely covered with pale hairs, while the elytra bear some patches of white scales.[1]
Ptinus fur female, dorsolateral view
Distribution and Habitat
It is a pest of stored foods,[2] with a worldwide distribution, where it may be identified by leaving webbed, granular materials on the stored products.[2]Ptinus fur adults feed on dried and decaying animal and vegetable material.[2][3] It has also been identified as a pest in museums, damaging stored collections.[3]
It has been found in the nests of birds, notably the Sand Martin.[4]
Life cycle
The optimum temperature for rapid development of Ptinus fur is about 23 °C, at which temperature it completes its development in a mean period of 132 days.[5] Larvae of P. fur normally moult three times at 23°Cm but some have an extra moult.[5]
Well-defined diapause as mature larvae in cocoons occurs at low temperatures in some individuals of Ptinus fur: at 23 °C this lasts about 220 days after normal larvae have pupated; at 20 °C the period lasts about 280 days.[5]
^ abcdHowe, R. W. & Burges, H. D. (1951). "Studies on Beetles of the Family Ptinidae.* VI.—The Biology of Ptinus fur (L.) and P. sexpunctatus Panzer". Bulletin of Entomological Research. 42 (3): 499. doi:10.1017/S0007485300028893.
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