(Gibbium psylloides)
Biology:
The 2 to 3 mm large, flightless, shiny brown-red beetle is spherical, highly domed and has a spider-like appearance, which is why it is sometimes mistaken for ticks. Its legs and antennae have fine, dense golden-yellow hairs. It is mainly found in old buildings with dark, damp parts, in bakeries and grain stores. Beetles and larvae are omnivorous and infest grain, grain products, drugs, hides, hay and animal feed, among other things.
They are capable of spinning and pupate in a cocoon. The beetle is very agile, moisture-loving, light-shy and wanders around in the dark. It is unable to fly, as the outer wings are fused together and the hind wings are completely missing.
Originally native to warmer regions, the beetle is now widespread worldwide. In Central Europe, however, it is tied to humans (bakeries, living spaces, etc.) and cannot overwinter outdoors.
Damage:
The feeding damage to food is low. The beetles are primarily harmful as material pests on textiles, leather, paper, packaging materials, insulation materials and others. They often develop on filling material in false floors and ceiling cavities of old buildings and then become very troublesome due to mass reproduction. They often become a nuisance, especially during renovation work, when half-timbered structures are exposed again.
