Rove Beetle: Genus Paederus

bugman

December 4th, 2008 at 9:52 am

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Orange Black Bug
Wed, Dec 3, 2008 at 4:59 PM
Dear Bugman,
We saw this bug on our front porch and wasn’t able to identify it. Any help you could give us would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Kristina
Maysville, WV

paederus rove west virginia 300x149 Rove Beetle: Genus Paederus

Paederus Rove Beetle

Hi Kristina,
This is a Rove Beetle. It is in the genus Paederus. Interestingly, the only letters we have received regarding this genus in the past have been from Sub-Saharan Africa where they are well known and avoided by the locals. We have gotten reports that a local name there is Creechie Bug. This genus of Rove Beetle is also found in North America. According to BugGuide: “Paederus species contain a toxic chemical (pederin) in their hemolymph which causes contact dermatitis in humans, usually as a result of slapping the beetle and crushing it against exposed skin. The affected area becomes red, swollen, and itchy, causing the skin to peel when scratched. Outbreaks of Paederus dermatitis have occurred in Africa, Asia, and South America.” The adults are attracted to artificial lights.

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From Announcing a New Tag: The Big 5 | What's That Bug? on 19 Jul 2011 at 5:11 pm ¶
[...] Africa, Asia and South America, we did receive a report from Arizona two years ago and one from West Virginia in 2008 in December which we imagine means Creechies can survive the cold.0 I like [...]