Paederinae | |
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Paederus littoralis | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Insecta |
Order: | Coleoptera |
Family: | Staphylinidae Lameere, 1900 |
Subfamily: | Paederinae Fleming, 1821 |
The Paederinae are a subfamily of the Staphylinidae, rove beetles.[1][2] As of 2024[update], three tribes are accepted within this subfamily: Lathrobiini, Paederini, and Pinophilini.[3] This insect is commonly known as Tomcat.[citation needed]
Three of the genera of a subtribe of the Paederini are associated with a skin irritation called Paederus dermatitis, due to a potent vesicant in their haemolymph.[4] This irritant, pederin, is highly toxic, more potent than cobra venom.[5] Thirty-six genera and 436 species are found in North America, generally in damp places, under logs, in caves and ant nests, in litter, or on foliage. Genera include Rugilus and Trisunius.
The 28 species thus far shown to produce such a toxin belong to three of the 14 genera of Paederina, namely Paederus, Paederidus, and Megalopaederus