With their bright red warning color and a pheromone contained in their bodies, the fire beetles (Pyrochroidae) ensure that predators give them a wide berth. In this article we clarify whether the little crawlers are also dangerous for humans.
Are fire beetles poisonous?
Male fire beetles produceCantharidin in the lymph,which makes the males attractive to the females. In humans, this substance can causeskin irritation, blistering and necrosis. However, symptoms of poisoning only occur if the extracted active ingredient is misused.
Why do male fire beetles produce this poison?
The fire beetles use the substance, which is poisonous to mammals, as an attractantto attract females and encourage them tomating. The cantharidin, in conjunction with the cardinal red coloring of the small crawling creatures, has a deterrent effect on other insects.
Are fire beetles dangerous to humans?
despite the poison circulating in the lymph
Danger. Since the larvae of the insect feed on wood pests such as longhorn beetles, bark beetles and jewel beetles, the fire beetle is actually very useful.
That's why you should simply let the small animals, which are mainly found in dead wood, go on their way. This means you don't come into contact with their poison.
Tip
Distinguishing fire beetles from fire bugs
Fire bugs are sometimes incorrectly referred to as fire beetles. However, the bugs can be clearly recognized by their geometric drawing on a red background, which is reminiscent of an indigenous mask. Fire bugs appear in large numbers, especially in spring, in sunny spots in the garden, while fire beetles are almost always found near dead wood.
