Biologist named the habitats of poisonous tomcat beetles in Russia

Biologist, entomologist Roman Khryapin told where in Russia you can find poisonous tomcat beetles.

In conversation with aif.ru On Thursday, June 4, an expert warned that the venom of tomato beetles can cause irritation and boils on the skin, but this only happens if the insect is crushed.

According to him, tomkats are common not only in the tropics and subtropics, but also in many regions of Russia. They live near reservoirs and in floodplains of rivers and are found almost everywhere, including the Moscow region, with the exception of the regions of the Far North.

The specialist noted that upon contact with the poison, the affected area should be washed with cold water and soap, treated with an antiseptic and an antihistamine applied. If you have a severe allergic reaction, large blisters, ulcers, fever, headache, nausea, or symptoms persist for several days, you should consult a doctor.

Earlier, poisonous tomcat beetles (beetles of the genus Paederus) were found on a beach in the Rostov region. Despite their small size, no more than one centimeter, these beetles contain a strong toxin. Outwardly, they resemble large ants and are most often found near reservoirs.

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In February, allergist-immunologist, rheumatologist and general practitioner Elena Sycheva said that small tomcat beetles, dangerous in contact with human skin or mucous membrane, have become more active in Southeast Asia. The danger to humans is contact with their hemolymph— an analog of blood containing the potent toxin pederin.

At the same time, it became known that Russian tourists in Vietnam complained of severe burns and blisters from the bites of poisonous beetles. 360.ru . Due to the high humidity, they multiplied massively and even crawled onto the upper floors of hotels. It is noted that after contact with beetles, a person's joints ache, he feels sick, and a fever may occur, writes RT.

Before that, in November, after the typhoon, the weather conditions turned out to be ideal for tomkats, and they actively bred furiously.