A SFU scientist warned about the danger of ladybug venom to humans

Sharafutdinov told TASS that residents of many cities, including Krasnoyarsk, report mass gatherings of ladybugs. The insects fly into entryways and apartments.

According to him, hemolymph — the equivalent of blood in insects, including ladybugs — contains the powerful toxin cantharidin. It is a fairly potent organic poison with a pronounced local irritant effect that causes blisters on the skin and, if it enters the body, is extremely toxic, damaging the kidneys and nervous system.

The scientist clarified that one drop of venom on intact skin will most likely not cause problems for a person. But contact of the substance with the mucous membrane of the mouth or the eyes will lead to significant chemical irritation and a local toxic reaction.

Sharafutdinov added that hemolymph is released by ladybugs for protection from predators, primarily birds. Ladybugs are a family of beetles known for their bright coloration, found almost all over the world except Antarctica and areas with permafrost.

Sources

• TASS