Tomcat a.k.a Rove beetle, skirt n blouse, paapa, etc, are dangerous Insects Species that are similar to ants from the appearance. These insects that have scientific name Paederus riparius are often called Tomcat and seem like a harmless insect.
Tomcat has color red and black on its body. Although it seems like ants, but this insect could cause wound when we have physical contact with it. The Tomcat body size is about 7-8 mm. Tomcat has paederin toxins that can causes burns on human skin.



Tomcat toxin concentration is 12 times more venomous than cobra venom, but only when it gets into your blood stream. These toxins can last even eight years after the insect dies. This beetle like the light at night, so many victims are motorcyclists, or those who are in homes with bright light or those who camping near the forest.

Generally, Tomcat insect occur throughout the year but peaked in July-September which has a climate humidity. The peoples that had physical contact with Tomcat will have burns in their skin.

How the toxin actually works

The Tomcat releases the toxin on anything it touches, especially human skin. Direct contact is not needed to experience skin discomfort or irritation however as the toxin can be left behind on your towels, furniture or other things in your house. Secondhand contact might not cause the same level of irritation as direct contact but it is still wise to be precautious especially if you have seen them hanging around your house as of late.


Preventing contact and irritation if you do come in contact with one

This first rule of the Tomcat is much different than almost any other insect out there. DON’T SQUASH IT! No matter how much you hate creepy crawly insects, try to resist the urge to smash it and grind it. You might end up with less irritation rubbing that sambal directly on your skin. Even crushing the insect with shoes or sandals on is not a great idea because it can spread the toxin into the air and will definitely be left behind on your shoe.

Your best bet is to keep some insect repellent around your house and if you come into contact with one, spray it until it isn’t moving anymore. Then you can pick it with some tools, keeping the insect far away from your skin. Disposing of it in the toilet is your best bet, just like you would with a tick. After that, thoroughly wash your hands and other places or materials that came in contact with the Tomcat.

This beetle is attracted to light, so you should avoid being too close to the light bulbs or minimize the use of light near the door and windows.

Use mosquito nets, aerosol spray or a mixture of organic pesticides from laos, neem leaves, and lemongrass to kill the incoming beetles.

If there Tomcat that already landed on the skin, do not kill it in the body, but blow until it left.

How to cure the wound because of Tomcat

If the skin is in contact with these insects, burning sensation will arises then your skin will turn into red followed by the appearance of pus in the center of the wound in few days.

Immediately wash the infected area with soap and water. If skin reaction occurs, wash with mild antiseptic pemanganate diluted potassium (Kmn04) such as hydrocortisone 1% and weak steroid creams and antibiotics such as neomycin sulfate betametasone 5%.

Do not scratch wounds, because the venom can even move to another part of the skin over the wound fluid. However, if the injury occurs in the eye area and mucous membranes, you should immediately see a doctor. With treatment, the wound will usually be better within 10 days to three weeks until the scars is gone. However, the wound can’t be gone if it involves dermis. Victims are also advised to avoid the sun so it will not cause inflammation that causes dark marks on skin.

Source: http://vendyxiao.com/tomcat-plague-phenomenon-hits-surabaya/

http://balimanual.com/tomcats-spotted-in-bali-one-insect-you-dont-ever-want-to-squash/

THIS IS ONE INSECT YOU DON'T WANT TO SQUASH.

I've seen this before, thought it was a baby scorpion.

i knew dz thing is hrtless... Wit dat tail lyk fork

Kylez:
I've seen this before, thought it was a baby scorpion.

Most scorpion will give you only severe pain, but this tiny man can damage your face.

Is this not what they call skirt and blouse in secondary schools?I remember It was dark blue and orange!
Very deadly things! Come and see the terrible scars they left on people's bodies.. And they don't sting, its their juice that causes the scars,

As in, it left a terrible mark on my friends face but thankfully, it did not leave a permanent scar.

Macmilla:

QMost scorpion will give you only severe pain, but this tiny man can damage your face.

angieberry:
As in, it left a terrible mark on my friends face but thankfully, it did not leave a permanent scar.

Yeah, it heals without a scar, but if the burn is exposed to sunlight much, it heals with a dark patch.

Wow. I had a phobia for those things and there was a time they became so rampant in school. You spread your clothes and when you being them in, you had to go through them individually because these things hid in them.

Macmilla:

Yeah, it heals without a scar, but if the burn is exposed to sunlight much, it heals with a dark patch.

angieberry:
Wow. I had a phobia for those things and there was a time they became so rampant in school. You spread your clothes and when you being them in, you had to go through them individually because these things hid in them.

Imagine having two of it in your underwear and you unknowingly put it on. Hehehe

Paederus does not bite or sting, but accidental brushing against or crushing the beetle over the skin provokes the release of its coelomic fluid which contains pederin, a potent vesicant agent. The morphology and location of the dermatitis change from case to case but usually resembles the accidental dropping of a caustic or hot liquid.

The electric ant (also known as paapa or skirt and blouse) releases the toxin on anything it touches, especially human skin. Direct contact is not needed to experience skin discomfort or irritation however. That is because the toxin can be left behind on your towels, furniture or other things in your house. Secondhand contact might not cause the same level of irritation as direct contact, but it is still wise to be precautious especially if you have seen them hanging around your house as of late.

Electric Ant