author(s)
R. Nikhita, R. Srithilak and M.V. Radhakrishnan

abstract
Majority of staphilinid beetles are predators of insect larvae and mites and nematodes and are regarded as biological agents to control agricultural pests. Paederus genus comprising 600 species are found in tropical and temperate climates. A survey was conducted to understand the prevalence of Paederus spp. in Annamalainagar, Chidambaram and Tamilnadu for a period of two years from January 2012 to December 2013. The "pedrin" poison in their body materials, causes skin and eye dermatitis in human. In the present study two species of rove beetles identified as P. melampus Linnaeus and P. fuscipes Curtis. These species are more prevalent during summer months (February to July) and the irritation was observed in all ages and sexes.