Paederus-dermatitis
Guides
Paederinae
Tomcat
Paederinae is a subfamily of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) containing three tribes: Lathrobiini, Paederini, and Pinophilini. The subfamily is notable for containing the genus Paederus and related genera that produce pederin, a potent vesicant toxin in their haemolymph that causes Paederus dermatitis in humans. The subfamily exhibits diverse ecological adaptations including myrmecophily, troglobitic cave-dwelling, and intertidal lifestyles. Over 36 genera and 436 species occur in North America alone, with global distribution across multiple biogeographic regions.