The Paederinae are a subfamily of the Staphylinidae, rove beetles.Newton, A. F., Jr., M. K. Thayer, J. S. Ashe, and D. S. Chandler. 2001. 22. Staphylinidae Latreille, 1802. pp. 272–418. In: R. H. Arnett, Jr., and M. C. Thomas (eds.). American beetles, Volume 1. CRC Press; Boca Raton, FL. ix + 443 p. , three tribes are accepted within this subfamily: Lathrobiini, Paederini, and Pinophilini.
Three of the genera of a subtribe of the Paederini are associated with a skin irritation called Paederus dermatitis, due to a potent vesicant in their haemolymph. This irritant, pederin, is highly toxic, more potent than cobra venom; it has similar treatment to poisonings from spitting cobra venom. Thirty-six genera and 436 species are found in North America, generally in damp places, under logs, in caves and ant nests, in litter, or on foliage. Genera include Rugilus and Trisunius.
References
External links
Paederinae at Bugguide.net.