Man's Toe Turns Black After Beetle Secreted in Shoe

A 30-year-old man from northern Israel, identified only as Nadav, experienced a disturbing incident when his toe turned black after spending hours working with a beetle trapped inside his shoe. Initially, he felt an object in his boot, mistaking it for a stone, and continued his workday. It wasn't until later that evening, upon removing his footwear, that he discovered a black beetle had fallen out and, more alarmingly, that his toe had blackened, resembling a burn.

Concerned by the alarming appearance of his toe, Nadav sought medical attention, eventually presenting at the emergency room of the Galilee Medical Center (formerly Poriya). Medical professionals, including a vascular surgeon, examined his foot. Despite the unusual discoloration, he reported no pain, numbness, or weakness. Tests did not reveal any acute vascular issues requiring hospitalization or intervention.

Experts explained that the beetle, likely from the Blaps genus of the Tenebrionidae family, possesses a defense mechanism. When threatened or pressed, it secretes a caustic, foul-smelling substance to deter predators. This secretion, accumulating inside the confined space of a shoe over several hours, likely caused the discoloration and irritation to Nadav's skin.

While the beetle's secretions can cause burning and discomfort, they are not considered life-threatening. Dr. Inbal Fox, a district infectious disease consultant, noted that while this specific beetle is not venomous, other insect bites can transmit diseases like rickettsia, which can cause a lesion known as an 'eschar' due to the destruction of small blood vessels. She advised seeking medical evaluation if symptoms such as fever, headache, or rash appear following an insect bite.