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Originating from Tasmania, this species now has
full distribution thought temperate zones of the world, although it favours the indoor
environment. Associated with bird's nests and stored foodstuffs, it is also present
in many industrial food storage situations. |
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Australian Spider Beetle
Image Copyright - Aventis
Environmental Science 1964. Reproduced with kind permission of Aventis Environmental
Science. |
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A widespread pest in the food industry, larvae
can bore through many types of packaging. Adults are responsible for cross
contamination of stored food and other produce. May attack fabrics and textiles. |
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Complete metamorphosis life cycle. Eggs
are laid within food substrate. Pupation tends to occur at the edges of the
substrate, adjacent to hard surfaces. Only a small proportion of adults are capable
of flight. Adults are extremely cold hardy, but free water is essential to them.
Average longevity is 12 months. They are nocturnal in foraging behaviour. |
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The source of infestation should be traced and
eliminated. Old bird's nests should be removed and destroyed. Good Hygiene
practices, stock rotation, quarantine of inbound stock and monitoring should be considered.
Fumigation, residual spraying, dusting and temperature / atmospheric control may be
applicable. |
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