May 23, 2023
Attention, everyone!
Let's talk about Paederus beetles.
While they may not sting, they have a surprising ability to cause skin ulceration. The culprit behind this is their body fluids containing a potent irritant called "pederin." Even a mere 10 to 15 seconds of contact with this toxin can lead to inflammation and a burning sensation on your skin.
Here's a vital piece of information:
Pederin is not actively secreted on the surface of these beetles but is only released when their bodies are ruptured. Therefore, it's crucial to exercise caution and avoid smacking or coming into direct contact with them, especially to prevent exposure to their toxic body fluids.
