Ptinus tectus

The Australian thief beetle ( Ptinus tectus ) is a beetle of the subfamily of beetles thief ( Ptininae ).

Features

The Australian thief beetle is about three to 3.5 millimeters long and offers a matt, dark brown staining. The hair is golden brown to grayish white and fits close to the body. The bristle hairs on the wing covers are lined up and are available from. The pronotum base is provided on both sides with a hair cushion and two small blunt tubercles. Sexual dimorphism is not observed in this species.

The larvae reach a length of about five millimeters and are white to yellowish and with a fine, upstanding hair. The head capsule is yellowish brown.

Synonyms

• Ptinus ocellus Brown, 1929
• Ptinus pilosus A. White & Butler, 1846

Similar Species

• Herbs thief ( Ptinus fur)

Dissemination

The Australian thief beetle is native to Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania. It was introduced in 1900 via England to Europe. It is found both in the wild, where it lives mainly in birds' nests of pigeons, swallows, sparrows or in blossoming conifers, as well as in stores.

Way of life

Under optimal conditions (23 to 25 ° C; 70 to 90% humidity) produce the females of the Australian thief beetle several hundred eggs, which are deposited directly on the substrate feeding. The larvae hatch in about 14 days. The further development is about three to five larval and lasts, depending on the temperature and the food supply four to eight weeks. The larvae are characterized by a pronounced spin activity. Pupation they drill for example, in leather, plastics, packaging, paper or cardboard and place there on their dolls cradle.

The adults are light- shy and nocturnal, but not airworthy. They feed on leather, textiles and museums also in animal preparations and cause damage by surface corrosion. The beetles are well adapted to drought. The service life under favorable conditions ten to twelve months, but usually only two to three months. During the year, results in two to three generations.

Pest

The beetle is a widespread pest in Central Europe, which is found in various animal and plant inventories such as spices, tea, dried fruit, malt, yeast, flour, bird and fish food and fish meal. On cereals it is found after preliminary damage by other pests.

Credentials

• Furniture Beetle