The Rove Beetle is less than 1 cm long. The body is dark orange and the tip of the abdomen, the upper abdomen and the head are black. The upper middle iridescent greenish region of the abdomen are the hard wings (elytra). A pair of transparent wings are neatly folded and hidden under the hard wings. During daytime, the beetle will be seen crawling around swiftly with hidden wings resembling ants. When disturbed it raises the abdomen in a threatening gesture like a scorpion and can fly away. It can also run on water swiftly !

when threatened on land

running on water

ready to fly

The beetle has been observed in the paddy fields (since 1919), school fields - within the grass etc. It is carnivorous and eats smaller insects. Thus it plays an important role as a biological control of ‘paddy pests’. During heavy rains/ floods, the beetle may migrate to drier areas.

The haemolymph in the beetle’s entire body (except the wings) contains the most poisonous animal contact toxin in the world called ‘pederin’ (C₂₄ H₄₃ O₉ N) named in 1953. It is 12 times more poisonous than cobra venom ! Dried and stored rove beetle for 8 years still retained it’s toxicity ! Contact collision with the beetle while travelling or sleeping, crushing it on the body or smearing with soiled fingers can cause conjunctivitis and severe dermatitis known as dermatitis linearis, paederus (rove beetle /staphylinidae) dermatitis, whiplash dermatitis etc. In September 2002 an epidemic of dermatitis linearis caused by rove beetles affected thousands of high rise flat dwellers and dormitory students in Penang, Malaysia.

Since the beetle is attracted to lights at night, switch off or minimise the lighting and close doors/ windows during the beetle epidemic. Use fine mosquito netting, aerosol insect spray, glue traps etc. Do not sit near lights, do not smash the beetle on the body, just blow it away ! If there is contact with the beetle, immediately wash the affected area with soap and water. Those who suffer severe skin reactions should seek medical attention.

The Seberang Perai Municipal Council had controlled the beetle epidemic in flats and dormitories with insecticide spraying (ULV and direct spraying) using Pesguard FG 161, glue traps (fly traps), wet and dry vacuum cleaners filled with insecticide inside, UVL electric insect traps, canister blow torch etc. If the insect population is beyond your control, contact MPSP: Tel. Toll Free : 1-800-88 MPSP / Website : http://www.mpsp.gov.my/

Sources : Dr. Lee Han Lim (IMR), Dr. Zairi b. Jaal (USM), Mr. Nik Mohd. Noor b. Nik Salleh (MARDI), Sumitomo Chemical Enviro-Agro Asia Pacific Sdn. Bhd., Agricultural Chemicals (M) Sdn. Bhd., J. Med. Entomol. Vol.24-1987 & Prof. Howard Frank, University of Florida

Prepared at the request of Dato’ Hj. Ismail b. Mamat by Mr. M.Raju, Chief Health Inspector, Special Squad, MPSP mailto:raju@mpsp.gov.my