A group of beetles with globular abdomens
and fairly long legs, superficially resembling
small spiders, 3-4mm long. General scavengers
of all sorts of animal and vegetable debris
and stored food, and frequently associated
with old birds' nests. The Golden Spider
Beetle (below) is covered with golden hairs
whilst the Globular Spider Beetle is a shiny,
dark brown colour. The Australian Spider
Beetle is by far the commonest species.
Adults may feign death when disturbed. The
female lays up to 1,100 eggs, which are
sticky. The fleshy larvae roll up when disturbed
but when ready to pupate wander about and
may get into cracks and crevices in floors
or shelves.
