Rove Beetles

The body fluids in the rove beetle are a poisonous animal contact toxin. Contact with the beetle can cause a severe skin reaction.

Last updated: 11 February 2011

What is a Rove Beetle?

The Rove Beetle is small, 7-8mm long. It has a black head with an orange/red thorax (immediately behind the head). The body is mostly black with a shiny metallic black area that conceals its folded wings and a distinct broad orange/red band towards the tapered tail.

Where are Rove Beetles found?

The Rove Beetle is widely distributed down the eastern states of Australia. It usually lives near drainage lines and watercourses. During heavy rains or floods, the beetle may migrate to drier areas. During the daytime, Rove beetles can be seen crawling around on the ground, with their wings hidden, and can resemble ants. Adult Rove beetles are predators of other insects and at night are frequently encountered around light sources.

How can Rove beetles affect humans?

Rove beetles do not bite or sting but their blood contains a strong toxin called pederin that can cause skin and eye irritations

If you crush the beetle the toxin is released and absorbed by your skin. The beetle can be crushed if you swat it like a fly or mosquito or if it collides with you at speed (such as bare skin on a motorbike) and can cause conjunctivitis, severe dermatitis (rash) and serious skin irritation.

Initial symptoms include reddening of the skin, and a 'burning' sensation. This is followed by painful irritation and itching, with extensive pustules and blistering of the skin after 4 days.

The affected areas remain irritated, blistered and sore for 10 days. Toxin on the hands, or exposure near body joints, can spread toxin to other areas of the body and to others.

How can I protect myself from the effects of Rove Beetles?

Avoid touching Rove beetles. Blow or wash beetles off your skin. Minimise lighting in infested areas at night. Wear long-sleeved and long-legged clothing to minimise exposed skin. Keep insect screens closed on tents to keep the beetles out of bedding. Have bottles of soapy water handy for first aid. Use the buddy system to keep a lookout for beetles on others.

If a Rove beetle is accidentally crushed against the skin, immediately wash the affected area with soap and water. The toxin slowly penetrates the skin. Washing shortly after exposure will remove much of the toxin before it has time to harm the skin

FIRST AID

There is no specific first aid available for exposure to Rove Beetle toxin. Avoid contact with the beetle. Avoid ingestion. If exposed to Rove Beetle toxin, wash affected area immediately with soapy water, and then use cold compresses, antihistamines, or apply Aloe vera to alleviate the symptoms on exposed areas.

Seek medical attention for severe skin reactions to the toxin