Mezium is a genus of beetles in the subfamily Ptininae, the spider beetles. It is distributed throughout most of the world. There are two centers of distribution: an area extending from the Iberian Peninsula to Morocco, including the Canary Islands; and an area extending through central and southern Africa. Several species are recently described African endemics.[1] They are most common in coastal areas, and in regions with a Mediterranean climate.[1]
Their most common natural habitat type is caves, where they feed on animal feces, especially bat guano. They are adaptable to human-made structures such as barns and chicken coops.[1]
Mezium is a genus of beetles in the subfamily Ptininae, the spider beetles. It is distributed throughout most of the world. There are two centers of distribution: an area extending from the Iberian Peninsula to Morocco, including the Canary Islands; and an area extending through central and southern Africa. Several species are recently described African endemics. They are most common in coastal areas, and in regions with a Mediterranean climate.
Their most common natural habitat type is caves, where they feed on animal feces, especially bat guano. They are adaptable to human-made structures such as barns and chicken coops.
Species include:
Mezium affine – shiny spider beetle Mezium africanum Mezium americanum – American spider beetle, black spider beetle Mezium andreaei Mezium giganteum Mezium glabrum Mezium gracilicorne Mezium horridum Mezium namibiensis Mezium pseudafricanum Mezium pseudamericanum Mezium setosum Mezium sulcatum
