Nairobi Eye Beetle vs White Pine Weevil
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Nairobi Eye Beetle | White Pine Weevil |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Paederus sabaeus | Pissodes strobi |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Staphylinidae | Curculionidae |
| Size | 7-10 mm | 5-7 mm |
| Habitat | Indoors | Farmland |
| Diet | Predators | Wood Feeders |
| 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.
White Pine Weevil
A small, mottled brown weevil that attacks the leading shoots of spruce and pine trees. Damage causes trees to grow crooked, devaluing timber.
Did You Know?
By killing only the topmost leader shoot, it forces the tree to develop multiple competing tops, producing a characteristically forked trunk.