A to Z of Pests

Shiny Spider Beetle

Gibbium psylloides

Appearance

• Adult – 1.5-3mm long.  They are shiny red-brown to black. The body is hairless, and lacks the general spider beetles characteristic restriction at the waist.

Lifecycle

• Females lay up to 120 eggs either singly or in batches during early summer. The eggs hatch within 16 days, and remain in the larval stage for up to 6 weeks.
• Adults emerge after 20-30 days of the pupal stage and may live for up to 12 months.
• At the optimum temperature for development (33°C) it takes about 45 days for the life cycle to be complete.

Habits

• Shiny spider beetles are tolerant of cool conditions and can stay alive for long periods without food.
• If disturbed, they will act as if dead.