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SBE
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Location Global Village
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It looks innocuous enough, a bit like a big soldier ant. However you'll know it isn't harmless if you slap at it like a mosquito, accidentally crush one in your sleep, or get hit in the face by one while you're driving a motorbike.
http://docfiles.blogspot.com/2007/06/paederousrove-beetle-dermatitis.html
I just thought I'd post a heads up about this thing in case anyone else is blissfully unaware that these insects "contain the most poisonous animal contact toxin in the world".
I don't even remember squashing one of these things but right now I have a patch of what looks like bubonic plague on my inner elbow. It's quite painful too, like a bad burn ...or twelve (very small) cobra bites.
#1 Posted: 10/4/2011 - 04:42
swag
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ouch!! can't say i,ve seen this in se asia thanks for the info those pics look very nasty.here's to a speedy recovery.btw where were you when you crushed this.
swag
#2 Posted: 10/4/2011 - 05:24
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busylizzy
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Good grief, SBE - you have the worst luck with the creepy crawlies! I hope you don't have to suffer too long.. it looks nasty. Take care!
#3 Posted: 10/4/2011 - 10:47
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MADMAC
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Yep, I got tagged on the neck by one of these about a year and a half ago... sucked.
#4 Posted: 10/4/2011 - 13:12
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Victory in Pattani
SBE
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Location Global Village
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@swag... in Thailand. I've seen quite a few of these insects there, mostly in jungly areas on the islands but the doctor I saw in Bangkok says they have them there too. Symptoms take about 12 hours to appear. They don't bite like mosquitoes or ants so you often don't even notice them.
@busylizzy... actually I think I'm quite lucky as far as creepy crawlies are concerned... I haven't died once (yet).
BTW, I had another cobra visit in my beach hut this year. Was quietly hammocking on Ko Phayam last January when out of the corner of my eye I noticed a reptilian face peeking over the edge of my balcony... at first I thought it was just a skink or a harmless tree snake but as more and more snake body appeared I realised it was in fact a large cobra...it even reared up and did a cute snake dance with its hood out. Really pisses me off that I never have a camera at hand when this kind of thing happens so I called a couple of guys from neighbouring bungalows over. Would have made a great shot as the snake was only a meter away but instead of running for a camera, they ran off screaming for help!! Typical men.
@MM. Did it leave an indelible scar? Just curious...
#5 Posted: 10/4/2011 - 16:39
MADMAC
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No scar - irrtated the crap out of me for a while though.
#6 Posted: 10/4/2011 - 17:22
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Victory in Pattani