Thief beetle
| Thief beetle | ||||||||||||
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Brass beetle ( Niptus hololeucus ) |
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| Systematics | ||||||||||||
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| Scientific name | ||||||||||||
| Ptininae | ||||||||||||
| Latreille , 1802 |
The thief beetles (Ptininae) represent a subfamily of the rodent beetles (Ptinidae), which occur worldwide with approx. 600 species. In Central Europe there are 32 species, which are divided into eight genera . In Europe 14 genera with 154 species and subspecies are known. Some species were introduced by humans and are now found worldwide.
description
The beetles are two to five millimeters long and have a yellowish-white, rounded or elongated body with short hairs, in which the limbs are relatively long. This makes them look very similar to spiders . The antennae , unlike the closely related tap beetles , are close together and have eleven limbs. They are longer in the males. This differentiates some sexes from one another in such a way that they are mistaken for different species.
Way of life
Both the larvae and the beetles feed on (mostly dry) animal and vegetable remains and fruits (especially grain ), but also on textiles, wool and dead, dried-up insects . Some species parasitize on solitary bee larvae over the winter .
The beetles like to live in very dry places or in very dry substances such as B. Straw fillings. This is why there is a corresponding infestation especially in older houses with wooden beam ceilings and corresponding cavity fillings. Especially after refurbishments or renovations of living space, increased migration can occur.
Only a few species are pests , most of them are just unpleasant roommates of humans, although their occurrence in large quantities can certainly lead to impairments in the quality of living.
species
- Herb thief ( Ptinus fur )
- Red-legged thief beetle ( Ptinus rufipes )
- Australian thief beetle ( Ptinus tectus )
- Brass beetle ( Niptus hololeucus )