Rove Beetle or better known as Charlie Ant among the community has been such a hot topic that is discussed to cause pain towards humans. The sizes of this insect range from <1 to 35 mm, with most in the 2–8 mm range, and the form of it is generally elongated, with some rove beetles being ovoid in shape. Colors also range from yellow and red to reddish-brown to brown to black to iridescent blue and green.
The antennae of Charlie Ant usually have 11 segments and are filiform, with moderate clubbing in some genera. The abdomen may be very long and flexible, and some rove beetles superficially resemble earwigs.
This insect is famous for its unique way to defend itself. It does contain a potent vesicant in its own hemolymph that can produce a skin irritation called dermatitis linearis. The irritant pederin is highly toxic towards human beings, more potent than cobra venom. Because of that, MOH has shared several easy ways to avoid being “bite” by Charlie Ants on its official Twitter page.
Pasti ramai yang pernah terkena 'gigitan cecair' Semut Charlie ni.
Selain Semut Charlie, ada juga yang panggil Semut Kayap, Kumbang 'Rove' atau Tomcat.
Serangga ini boleh menyebabkan kemerahan, sakit dan gelembung pada kulit.
Ikuti langkah pencegahan ini. pic.twitter.com/J8FbYHEU6e
— KKMalaysia🇲🇾 (@KKMPutrajaya) January 14, 2021
According to the Twitter post, MOH advises us to do as follows to avoid being bite by Charlie Ants:
1) Avoid physically touching Charlie Ants.
2) Recognize and avoid disturbing the Charlie Ants.
3) Blow if Charlie Ants perched on your skin.
4) Wash the area that got contacted with Paederin fluid with water and soap.
5) Turn off the nearby light when sleeping.
Please be aware that this skin discomfort is mild but can move to other areas such as the face and genital area. It can also cause conjunctivitis in the eyes.
Sources: Twitter Ministry Of Health.
