Nairobi flies

About Nairobi flies-

• Nairobi flies, also called Kenyan flies or dragon bugs, are small, beetle-like insects that belong to two species, 
  • Paederus eximius and 
  • Paederus sabaeus. 
• They are orange and black in colour, and thrive in areas with high rainfall, as has been witnessed in Sikkim in the past few weeks.
• Like most insects, the beetles are attracted by bright light.
• Usually, the insects attack pests that consume crops and are beneficial for humans, but at times they come in contact with humans directly are cause harm. 
• These flies do not bite, but if disturbed while sitting on anyone’s skin, they release a potent acidic substance that causes burns.
• This substance is called pederin, and can cause irritation if it comes in contact with the skin, leading to lesions or unusual marks or colouring on the skin. 
• The skin begins to heal in a week or two, but some secondary infections can occur, especially if the victim scratches the irritated skin.
• Major outbreaks associated with these flies have happened in Kenya and other parts of eastern Africa. 
• In 1998, unusually heavy rain caused a large number of insects to come into the region.
• Outside Africa, outbreaks have happened in India, Japan, Israel, and Paraguay in the past.