Rove Beetle
Paederus littoralis
The adult rove beetle patrols moist ground, crop edges, marshy paths, and litter near water, often hunting at night. It preys on small insects and other soft-bodied invertebrates, using speed and strong mandibles rather than size. Short wing covers leave much of the flexible abdomen exposed, but the folded hind wings still allow flight. Members of Paederus are famous for pederin in their body fluids, which can cause painful dermatitis when crushed against skin.
- Type
- Venom
- Conservation status
- NE
Growth chain
- ?
- ?
- Rove Beetle