Nairobi Eye Beetle vs Sunflower Leaf Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Nairobi Eye Beetle | Sunflower Leaf Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Paederus sabaeus | Zygogramma exclamationis |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Staphylinidae | Chrysomelidae |
| Size | 7-10 mm | 6-8 mm |
| Habitat | Indoors | Grasslands |
| Diet | Predators | Herbivores |
| Regions | East Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa | North America |
| 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.
Sunflower Leaf Beetle
A pale yellowish-brown beetle with dark brown elytral stripes that curve to form an exclamation-mark-like pattern. It feeds on sunflower and related composites.
Did You Know?
Its species name 'exclamationis' refers to the exclamation-point-shaped dark mark on each elytron.