Paederus
- Pronunciation
- /PAY-der-us/
- Category
- Taxonomy
- Singular
- Paederus
- Plural
- Paederi
Definition
A genus of beetles belonging to the subfamily Paederinae, known for producing toxins that can cause skin irritation in humans.
Etymology
Named by Johann Christian Fabricius in 1775. The name is derived from the Greek words 'paidos', meaning 'child', and 'eros', meaning 'love'.
Example
Paederus fuscipes, commonly known as the 'rust-colored beetle', is a species of Paederus that can cause skin irritation.
Related Terms
- Staphylinidae
- Toxicity
- Dermatitis
Usage Notes
Paederus beetles are often found in damp environments and are attracted to light.