Ptinus is a genus of beetles distributed throughout much of the world, including Africa, the Australian region, the Palearctic, the Near East, the Nearctic, and the Neotropic ecozone. It is a member of the subfamily Ptininae, the spider beetles.
About 24 species have been found associated with stored food products in various parts of the world. Both adults and larvae of which feed on grain, dried fruit, spices and other dried foodstuffs. The sub-species Ptinus tectus is considered a pest species in Museums and can damage stored objects and collections.
