Nairobi Eye Beetle vs New Zealand Rove Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Nairobi Eye Beetle | New Zealand Rove Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Paederus sabaeus | Quedius antipodus |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Staphylinidae | Staphylinidae |
| Size | 7-10 mm | 7-10 mm |
| Habitat | Indoors | Forests |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | East Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa | New Zealand |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Nairobi Eye Beetle
A small, brightly colored rove beetle with an orange and black body that produces pederin, a potent blistering toxin. Outbreaks near human habitation cause painful dermatitis known as Nairobi eye.
Did You Know?
Pederin, the toxin in its hemolymph, is 12 times more potent than cobra venom drop for drop and is being researched as an anti-cancer compound.
New Zealand Rove Beetle
A medium-sized, shiny dark rove beetle native to New Zealand's native forests. It is one of the most commonly encountered staphylinids in New Zealand's distinctive southern beech forests.
Did You Know?
New Zealand's rove beetle fauna evolved in isolation for 80 million years, producing many endemic species found nowhere else on Earth.