General
This large spider beetle 3mm-4mm long is covered in long silky golden hairs.
The antennae are long and the eyes small. The abdomen is broad and it has the typical wasted appearance of spider beetles. The adult cannot fly. The adults tend to rest in dark, moist places during daylight hours, becoming active during darkness.

Significance
They are found in domestic premises, warehouses etc. as a general scavenger and as a stored product pest. They attack a very wide range of commodities such as cereals, spices, drugs, dried vegetables, animal and remains and leather. Fabrics may be damaged particularly when the larvae are seeking pupation sites.

Control
Infested commodities should be isolated and destroyed, or failing this fumigated.
The structure and fittings of the infested area should be treated with a residual insecticide. This treatment may be supplemented with the use of an ultra-low volume insecticide application. Professional help may be required. A thorough search should be made for bird nesting material which may be supporting the infestation.

Number of days spent as:
At 15°C:

At 18°C-20°C

Adults may live for 9 months.