OUTBREAKS OF PAEDERUS-SABAEUS IN CENTRAL- AFRICA .1. ENTOMOLOGICAL AND EPIDEMIOLOGIC ASPECTS

In may 1993, at the end of the rainy season, outbreaks of Paederus sab aeus (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) were recorded in Brazzaville (Congo), Kinshasa (Zaire), Franceville and Libreville (Gabon) and even in Bang ui (CAR) at the North of the equator. A short review of previous outbr eaks in Africa and on vesicant substances is given by the authors. The se beetles are attracted to neon lights and they rest on the walls or on the skin of the occupants. When the insects are crushed on the bare skin their haemolymph liberate pederine and related vesicant componen ts which provocate dermatitis. The insects disappeared spontaneously a fter three to four weeks.