Black & Orange Insect
Wed, Jun 24, 2009 at 7:07 PM
Dear WTB, I received an email from my husband, saying that this insect is dangerous. I’ve always been fascinated by different types of insects, so I believe he may have sent it to me to warn me not to touch it. But he only gave me the photo and nothing else. I want to find proof and more info that this insect is dangerous, instead of being misinformed. Hence, I hope you can help me. I really appreciate it. Thank you.
Stephanie Hong
Singapore
Dear Stephanie,
Your photos represent some species of Rove Beetle in the genus Paederus. We first became aware of these insects when we received a submission from Africa that called them Creechies. Paederus Rove Beetles can cause serious contact dermatitus, so in that sense they are dangerous. Thanks for sending us photos of representatives of the genus from Singapore. The Dermatology Online Journal has an excellent article on dermatitus caused by Paederus Rove Beetles in Sierra Leone.
