Preliminary Study on Paederus littoralis Gravenhorst,1802

at North Dagon Township, Yangon

1i

Thu Zar Moe1

ABSTRACT
This research paper has been conducted during the period of December, 2019 to
November, 2020. Preliminary Study on Paederus littoralis were undertaken in Zoology
Department, Yangon University of Distance Education. Also known as Rove beetles. The
family Staphylinidae numbers well over 40,000 species worldwide, we still know
relatively little about rove beetles. The classification of rove beetles and related groups is
ever-changing, and some entomologists estimate that Staphylinidae may eventually
number well over 100,000. Rove beetle in species Paederus littoralis are variation in
size, habit, Morphology, food and feeding are very interesting and mainly their poison
are more interesting. This insect is the most popular name Paederus dermatitis in the
World. Paederus dermatitis which is called a poison based on the symptom of his
poisoning. Rove beetles of medical importance in World. Just as importance in World, it
is very medical importance in Myanmar.
Keyword: Paederus littoralis, Paederus dermatitis , poison, medical importance
INTRODUCTION
North Dagon Township (also North Dagon Myothit; Myanmar) is located in the
eastern part of Yangon, Myanmar. North Dagon Township is considered one of the
more developed of the several "new city" projects built by the military government
shortly after its coup in 1988.The township comprises 25 wards, and shares borders with
East Dagon Township in the north and east, South Okkalapa township in the west, and
South Dagon township in the south.[1] Figure (1)
Three year ago, I started living in North Dagon Township, only to see these
insects ( beetle) this year when they were appear. I realized that there are a lot of other
people who were brush and they have only brush this year as well after I went to the
clinic. I learned that some University teachers at work were brush. I noticed and
interested this bettle so I study on it. I search on internet and library .

1
. Assistant lecturer, Daw, Department of Zoology, Yangon University of Distance Education

1
 The subfamily Paederinae Fleming, 1821 is recognized by head more or less
constricted posteriorly, antennae inserted along the anterior margin of the head, insertions
concealed in dorsal view; hind coxa narrow, triangular, its apex strongly projecting
posteriorly; pronotum with a large, opaque procoxal process of the pronotal hypomeron
Mainly it can be divided into three parts that are abdomen, thorax and head. Figure (2)
Paederus is a genus of small beetles of the family Staphylinidae ("rove beetles").
With 622 valid species assigned by 1987 to the subtribe Paederina (Paederus and its
close allies), and with all but 148 within Paederus itself,[2] the genus is large. Due to
toxins in the hemolymph of some species within this genus, it has given its name to
paederus dermatitis, a characteristic skin irritation that occurs if one of the insects is
crushed against skin.
The rove beetles of the genus Paederus Fabricius, 1775 are the most important
group within Coleoptera causing dermatitis around the world. The medical importance of
Paederus depends on its toxic hemolymph released when these beetles are crushed on
human skin. The effects are mainly dermatitis linearis and some sporadic cases of
conjunctivitis. Paederus littoralis (Figure 3) is the most frequent species in Pars-Abad,
where it constituted 362 of 503 (72%) collected specimens.[9]
That name, Paederus dermatitis, is a poor choice because, decades earlier, the
affliction had been called dermatitis linearis, a name that works in all languages, not just
English, because of its Latin origin; the name Paederus dermatitis is also inappropriate
because it has shown to be caused by (a) only a few species of the genus Paederus, but
(b) also a few species that belong to closely related genera (that are not Paederus) within
the subtribe Paederina. Paederus species are active during the day and attracted to bright
lights after nightfall.[3]
Like other beetles (Coleoptera), rove beetles have hardened forewings that cover
the flight wings. At one time, the rove beetle group was known as "Brachyptera" (short
wings), because their flight wings are folded under short elytra. [4] Paederus species are
widely distributed around the world.[5] Figure (4)
According to Medical and Veterinary Entomology (2009) "At least 20 of the more
than 600 species of Paederus beetles have been associated with Paederus dermatitis",
even though Paederus beetles do not bite or sting. Paederus dermatitis is caused when a
pederin-containing beetle is crushed, even partially, against the skin.[6]

2
 Some rove beetles react to perceived threats by tipping their abdomens up, as
scorpions do, Figure (5) but this gesture is all bark and no bite. Rove beetles can’t sting,
but the larger ones can inflict a nasty bite if mishandled. They don’t attack human but
their poison are medical importance.
Once pederin is on the skin from the initial beetle contact, it may also be spread
elsewhere on the skin. "Kissing" or "mirror-image" Figure (6) lesions where two skin
areas come in contact (for example, the elbow flexure) are often seen.[7]
Washing the hands and skin with soap and water is strongly recommended if
contact with a rove beetle has occurred.Initial skin contact with pederin shows no
immediate result. Within 12–36 hours, however, a reddish rash (erythema) appears,
which develops into blisters. Irritation, including crusting and scaling, may last from two
to three weeks.[8]
Rove beetle from the family Staphylinidae is a large family of insects found all
over the world with over 47,744 described species in 3,847 genera and 31 subfamilies
(Herman 2001). About 650 described species of the Paederusrove beetles are extensively
distributed globally (Willers 2003) with the exceptions of Antarctica (Frank &Kanamitsu
1987). In Asia, outbreaks of acute dermatitis were recently spotted at Egypt (Awad et
al.2013), China (Ma et al.2009), India (Toppo et al.2013), Nepal (Panta & Poudyal
2013), Thailand (Ekburanawat & Jakreng 2011),and Malaysia (Bong et al.2013).[10]
Many people confuse rove beetle with ant or moth. They are the same Kingdom,
Phylum, Class but different Order, Genus and species. Also skin problem cause due to
most rove beetle, ant and moth. Some people often mistake them for earwigs.

This study is conducted with following objectives:

-to identify and classify the beetles in the study sites
-to know the power of this poison
-to know what to do to avoid the poison
-to knowledge about how to treat paederus dermatitis symptoms

3
 MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study period lasted from December, 2019 to November, 2020. This species
were collected from North Dagon Township, Yangon. Collected species were undertaken
in Zoology Department, Yangon University of Distance Education. The individuals were
used in this study. The recorded species were observed at home and environment where
trees, shrubs, bushes, the ground and human settlement scattered. During this species
collection habitat types were also investigated. Visual searching including hand
collecting was essential. Examination was done in nightlight. The common or local
names were also recorded by online. Use pointed object like long stick, forceps and other
dissecting needle to reposition or keeping the legs in position. Hand lens, camera, hand
gloves, dissecting needle, forceps, plastic cup were used. Paederus littoralis were
identified according to Gravenhorst,1802.

4
 Figure (1)

RESULTS

Systematic position of the collected species

5
Kingdom Animalia

Phylum Arthropoda

Subphylum Hexapoda

Class Insecta

Order Coleoptera

Suborder Polyphaga Emery, 1886

Infraorder Staphyliniformia

Superfamily Staphylinoidea Latreille, 1802

Family Staphylinidae Latreille, 1802

Subfamily Paederinae Fleming,1821

Tribe Paederini Fleming, 1821

Genus Paederus Fabricius,1775

Species Paederus littoralis Gravenhorst,1802

Common name Rove Beetle Auguste Lameere, 1900

Local name Ants Seed, Ant Shingles, Charlie, Charlie Ant (Malaysia)

Paederus dermatitis, blister beetles, bicho de fuego, pito, potó and

podó (America )

Mee Poe Htoe (Myanmar)

Lengths: Adult Rove beetle have a size of 1cm. Rove beetle having a size of less than 1
cm in long length. Sizes range from 1cm to 35 mm, and the form is generally elongated.

Habitats: Rove beetles inhabit moist environments throughout the world. The beetle has
been found in the rice fields, between the bushes and the trunk of the tree etc. They live
in rotting leaves where they lay their eggs. Most rove beetles make their living after
sunset when they emerge from hiding to pursue insect prey. During heavy rains or floods,
the beetle migrate to drier areas. Paederus beetles defend themselves by emitting the

6
toxic pederin chemical when threatened. They have wings and can fly, they usually
prefer to run along the ground.

Food and feeding: It is a carnivorous insect, eating other smaller insects . Most rove
beetles are predatory as adults and larvae, feeding on other, smaller arthropods. and still
others that feed on the regurgitated food from ants. It an insect that plays an important
role in biological control of insect pests of rice . They will eat crop pests.

Distribution: Paederus species are widely distributed around the world. Brazil, Iran ,
Japan, Korea, India, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, UK, Antarctica, Portugal.

Morphology: Adult rove beetle in genus Paederus littoralis are small and soft body,
The body is dark orange while the upper , lower abdomen and head are black. The central
part of the abdomen is dark green with hard wings called " elitron " . Under hard wings
are a pair of transparent wings are neatly folded . Head and elytra metallic blue,
pronotum and abdominal segments 3-6 orange and abdominal segments 7 and 8 black.
Antennae darkened from the fourth segment, palps darkened towards the apices;
penultimate segment long and gradually broadened to the apex, terminal segment small
and rounded. Pronotum broadest behind rounded anterior angles and narrowed to a
straight basal margin, disc shiny and impunctate, posterior and lateral margins with
scattered punctures and long outstanding setae. Femora bicoloured; pale from the base
and dark-metallic in the apical half, tibiae mostly yellow, at most only slightly darkened
at the base. Pro-tarsi yellow, meso- and meta-tarsi variously darkened towards the apices.
Pro-tarsomeres 1-4 bilobed, more strongly so in the male, fourth meso- and meta-
tarsomere bilobed.[11] Often , the beetle is seen crawling around swiftly with hidden wings
resembling ants. When disturbed beetle raises the abdomen looks like a scorpion to scare
the enemy. Rove beetle larvae have elongated bodies and appear slightly flattened when
viewed from the side. A larva often has unique structures and organs that do not occur in
the adult form. Sometime, Larvae are frequently adapted to environments separate from
adults. They’re usually off-white or beige, with a darker head. Like the adults, the larvae
often have a pair of projections alongside the tip of the abdomen.
Life Cycle: As all beetles do, rove beetles undergo complete metamorphosis. The mated
female deposits a cluster of eggs near a source of food for her offspring. Rove beetle

7
larvae typically inhabit moist environments, such as in soil covered by decaying leaf
litter. Typically develop in 3-19 days. The larvae feed and molt until they are ready to
pupate; larvae pass through two instars before reaching adulthood. Pupation occurs in
moist leaf litter or the soil. When the adults emerge, they are very active, especially at
night.

Effects on Humans: The haemolymph in the body ( except the wings ) contains toxins
beetle touch the most poisonous animal in the world. The toxin is known as ' pederin '
C24 H43 O9 N ) named in 1953 . It has 12 times more poisonous than cobra venom.
Rove beetle that has been dried and stored for 8 years still have toxicity . moving or
sleeping or brushing with a dirty finger would cause conjunctivitis and severe skin
disease known as ' dermatitis linearis ', ' Paederus ( rove beetle / Staphylinidae )
dermatitis ', ' whiplash dermatitis ' and so on . Different responses are seen in the skin
depending upon its concentration, duration of exposure, and individual characteristics.

Poison: The body's chemical substance is coelomic fluid, which contains paederin,
a strong blistering chemical. Blisters can be caused by physical factors that irritate the
skin, such as friction. Paederin is a highly bioactive natural product orignially thought to
be produced by Paederus beetles. paederin is a vesicant toxic amide with two
tetrahydropyran rings, found in the haemolymph of the beetle genus Paederus. Skin
contact with pederin from the coelomic fluid exuded from a female Paederus beetle
causes Paederus dermatitis. This is a rash that varies from a slight erythema to severe
blistering, depending on the concentration and duration of exposure. Whereas males
always contain only small quantities of the toxin (0.1–1.5 µg), females are not so
restricted (0.2–20.5 µg) and in most cases possess roughly 10-fold that in males.[13]

Species Beginning of adult End of adult Population Country

activity activity peaks
Paederus littoralis Early June Late Aug 1 Iran[12]
Paederus littoralis Early Aug Late Dec 1 Yangon

8
 Figure (2) Paederus littoralis (Draft)

Figure (3) Paederus littoralis

Figure (4) Paederus littoralis (Distribution Worldwide)

9
Figure (5) Paederus littoralis (Abdomens up, as scorpions do)

Figure (6) "Kissing" or "mirror-image"

10
Paederus littoralis (Place of residence)

Paederus littoralis (eating)

Pederin chemical structure

11
DISCUSSION

12
 They sting with poisonous venom which causes scorching burnt marks on your
skin. This primitive is normally found in deep jungle but recently more and more of these
ants are appearing in residential area due to urbanization. Rove beetle contain a potent
vesicant in their haemolymph which can produce a skin irritation called dermatitis
linearis.  The irritant pederin is highly toxic, more potent than cobra venom. These are
found only at night. At night I feel itchy and I get swollen around the neck in the
morning. The way I avoid getting bitten after being bitten by beetle. These beetles are
attracted to light at night, close or minimize the lights and close doors / windows during
the beetle epidemic. Use a fine mesh mosquito , insect aerosol sprays , traps and so on .
Do not sit near the light / lamp, do not hit the beetle on the body, just breathe / blow it
away . When I was bitten, I didn't know what to do immediately but I search for about
this being process on the internet. When my family was happen, I knew what to do. If
contact with the beetle , immediately wash the area with soap and water. Sesiapa
suffering from severe skin reactions should seek medical attention. For a large local
reaction, a cold compress or ice pack on the area for about 10 minutes to help reduce pain
and swelling. Apply ice for no more than 15 minutes at a time using a cloth barrier
between ice and skin to prevent direct thermal injury to the skin.[7] These method are the
first methods of nursing and can prevent the spread of the disease. After performing the
following procedures, I presented to the doctor. Systemic antihistamines and
corticosteroids, if available, help manage systemic reactions Prevention method are
following:
1. Use Bygone or Ridsect to spray around lighting area
2. Spray around the perimeter of the bed to prevent the bugs from crawling to your
bed
3. Kill all the food source such as (fly moth) and other insects around your area.
4. Do not step of the insects
5. If spotted, use ridsect and kill it. Once kill then pick it up using paper and flush it
in toilet
6. Do not use hands to pick it up.[14]

CONCLUSION

13
 These species are now endangered species for human. There is no record of these
beetle in Myanmar. Myanmar does not find any research literature on these beetle.
Therefore, these species are found in Yangon and record for self-inflicted disease. As we
have found in Yangon, we will have to learn more about the remaining states. Paederus
littoralis does not appear year-round and occurs only when their fertility peak. Only one
species of Paederus littoralis was recorded due to a short period of study and rareness of
specimen. Therefore, there is still need to study and record the Paederus littoralis.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

14
 We wish to acknowledge our indebtedness to Pro-Rector Dr. Khin Thant Sin,
Yangon University of Distance Education for his permission to undertake this paper.

We gratefully thank to Professor Dr Tin Mar Yi Tun, Head of Zoology

Department, Yangon University of Distance Education, for her kind supervision and
critical reading of the manuscripts.

We are greatly indebted to Dr Thi Dar Lay Thwe, Professor, Zoology

Department, Yangon University of Distance Education, for her suggestion about topic
and her valuable help.

I also wish to express my gratitude to Daw Soe Soe Moe, Lecturer, Zoology
Department, Yangon University of Distance Education, for her encouragement and
suggestion throughout this work.

A special thanks is due to Dr. Aye Aye, M.B.B.S (Yangon). Breeding and
Veterinary Department at Mingaladon township, Yangon for their training in field work
and providing literature and information

15
 REFERENCES
1."North Dagon Township". Yangon City Development Committee. Archived from the
original on 2 October 2011. Retrieved 2009-03-21
2. rank, J.H. (1988). "Paederus, sensu lato (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae): An index and
review of the taxa". Insecta Mundi. 2 (2): 97–159.
3. Frank, JH; Kanamitsu, K (1987). "Paederus, sensu lato (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae):
natural history and medical importance". Journal of Medical Entomology. 24
(2): 155–91. doi:10.1093/jmedent/24.2.155. PMID 3295241.
4. "7.4 Blister beetles, species". Institute of Tropical Medicine. Archived from the
original on 29 August 2012. Retrieved 30 July 2011. Among the Staphylinidae,
the genus Paederus is known to contain at least 25 species.
5. Sharp, David (1887). Biologia Centrali-Americana. Insecta. Coleoptera Vol. 1 Part 2.
p. 609
6. Mullen, Gary; Gary Richard Mullen; Lance Durden (2009). Medical and Veterinary
Entomology. Academic Press. p. 102. ISBN 978-0-12-372500-4. Retrieved 31
July 2011. Pederin contacts human skin only when a beetle is brushed
vigorously over the skin or crushed.
7. Singh, Gurcharan; Ali, Syed Yousuf (2007). "Paederus dermatitis". Indian Journal of
Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology. 73 (1): 13–5
8. Just the facts…Paederus Beetles" (PDF). US Army Public Health Command.
Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 August 2012. Retrieved 30 July 2011.
9.M.R. Nikbakhtzadeh and S. Tirgari MEDICALLY IMPORTANT BEETLES
(INSECTA: COLEOPTERA) OF IRAN. J. Venom. Anim. Toxins incl. Trop.
Dis., 2008, 14, 4, p.607,609

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10.Sufian Maryam, Nik Fadzly and Wan Fatma Zuharah. (2016). The effects of light and
height of building in attracting Paederus fuscipesCurtis to disperse towards
human residential areas.Tropical Life Sciences Research27(Supp.1): 95–101.
11.https://www.ukbeetles.co.uk/paederus / beetlesuk@gmail.com
12. Nikbakhtzadeh MRI; Tirgari SII Tehran, Iran Journal of Venomous Animals and
Toxins including Tropical Diseases, On-line version ISSN 1678-9199, J.
Venom. Anim. Toxins incl. Trop. Dis vol.14 no.4 Botucatu  2008.
13.Rupert L. L. Kellner & Konrad Dettner Journal of Chemical Ecology
volume 21, pages1719–1733(1995)
14. Charley Horse: Causes, Risks, and Treatments -Healthlinehttps://www.healthline.com
› health › charley-horse

4. LERC_June_2018, Local Environmental Records Centre Boundaries of the UK

Metadata contact organization: ALERC http://www.alerc.org.uk/downloads.html

5.Sharp, David (1887). Biologia Centrali-Americana. Insecta. Coleoptera Vol. 1 Part 2.

p. 609

7. First Aid for Bites and Stings | Healthline . https://www.healthline.com › health ›

first-aid bites-stings
8. Borror and DeLong’s Introduction to the Study of Insects, 7th Edition, by Charles A. Triplehorn and Norman F. Johnson

9. Insects: Their Natural History and Diversity, by Stephen A. Marshall

10. Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America, by Eric R. Eaton and Kenn Kaufman
11. Rove Beetles, by Carol A. Sutherland, Extension and State Entomologist, New Mexico State University, accessed November 28, 2011
12.
(9)http://www.gertschgroup.com/blog/entry/627901/how-do-paederus-beetles-cope-with-
pederin (Gertsch Group Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of
Bern, Switzerland (Prof. Dr. Jürg Gertsch , Jurg Gertsch - Sun Apr 18, 2010 @ 04:13AM)
(15)

17
i

Q. 1. Give the cellular responses induced by extacellular signal swith a suitable

diagram.
Ans.
Q. 2. Name the types of signalling and give an account of snaptic signaling.
Ans.
Q. 3. Explain briefly about paracrise signaling.
Ans.
Q. 4. Explain about contact- dependent signaling.
Ans.
Q. 5. Write an interesting account an auto crine signaling with diagram.
Ans.
Q. 6. Give an explanation of endocrine signalling with diagram.
Ans.
Q. 7. Express briefly on signalling pathway.
Ans.
Q. 8. Write short account on cell adhesion.
Ans.
Q. 9. How do you understand about cell migration?
Ans.
Q. 10. Explain precisely on gene structure and organization.
Ans.
Q. 11. Write an interesting account on transcription factors.
Ans.
Q. 12. Express about the Hon genes in both mice and humans.
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Q. 1. Give a word giagram to show the short-range and long-range signalling

mechanisms.
Ans.
Q. 2. Discuss about signal regulation during development.
Ans.
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Ans.
Q. 4. Explain briefly about cellular messengers and receptors.
Ans.
Q. 5. Write an essay on “ Hedgehog family”.
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Q. 6. Illustrate about the fibroblast growth factor family.
Ans.
Q. 7. Discuss as far as you can on Wingless family.
Ans.
Q. 8. Explain in detail about the transforming growth factor super family.
Ans.
Q. 9. Draw diagrams only to show the Wingless signal transduction pathway and
transforming growth factor signal transduction pathway leading to activation of
Tgf‐β‐responsive genes via SMAD proteins.
Ans.
Q. 10. Describe about Notch signaling.
Ans.
Q. 11. Explain in detail “ Apoptosis”.
Ans.
Q. 12. Draw word diagram only to show a cell expressing an increased concentration
of Notch receptor can progress towards a particular lineage while inhibiting
the differentiation of an apposing cell along the same lineage (A to C).
Ans.
Q. 13. Discuss as far as you can on adhesion and migration.
Ans.

Q. 14. Write an essay about “ Morphogens”.

Ans.

Q. 15. Summarize about the DNA methylation and Parental comprinting in

mammals.
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Q. 16. State briefly about X-chromosme inactivation.

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Q. 17. Describe in detail “ Histone modification”.

Ans.

Q. 18. Explain as far as you can on “ Gene regulation”.

Ans.

Q. 19. How do you understand about the Gene systems essential for development?
Mention with examples.
Ans.

Q. 20. Describe Hox genes in Drosophila.

Ans.

Q. 21. Mention about the hox genes in mammals.

Ans.

Q. 22. Tabulate the genes within the homeotic examples of Drosophila species.
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Q. 23. Explain the experimental measuremint of gene expression.

Ans.

Q. 24. Express “ experimental evaluationof gene function”.

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