Library

This insect has the strongest toxicity in May and June. It is said that those with eight or nine segments are even more venomous. When it stings, the toxic force spreads, often causing pain throughout all four limbs, which subsides only after about a week.

Tao Hongjing stated: The "Chai" insect cannot be accurately identified by physicians; some say it is a slug (Yan You), others say it is a small black insect with a bifid tail. However, these are likely incorrect, and it is suspected to be a scorpion. The scorpion's tail is bifid and curves upward, hence the *Book of Songs* says: "Those gentlemen of the capital, their curled hair resembles the tail of a Chai."

This refers to the centipede-like creature known as the "Hundred-legs worm" (Mahu). Although it is poisonous, it rarely bites humans. People occasionally suffer poisoning if they accidentally touch it.

In Jiangdong and Lingnan regions, "Qi" and "Chu" insects are ubiquitous. Qi and Chu are two different organisms. The "Qi" found in grass is called "Mountain Qi"; that found in water is called "Horse Qi". Both are about four to five inches long, black, and have smooth bodies. When people wade through mountains and waters, they attach to human skin, causing little pain but significant itching. They can suck blood from both ends, detaching themselves when full. They pose little toxic danger.

The "Chu" has patterned backs, feels rough and coarse, and often attaches to turtle or snail shells. If it attaches to human flesh, it lays eggs inside the flesh, up to ten or more. After a few days, swelling and itching occur, accompanied by urticaria-like rashes, eventually forming sores over time.

On rocks, paths, and vegetation in mountains, stone leeches attach to humans, piercing and biting the skin and muscle, burrowing into the flesh and causing spreading sores. Healing can be achieved by moxibustion to cauterize its pathway. When walking in mountain grass, applying a mixture of ointment and salt to the feet and calves prevents leeches from attaching.

Silkworms are domesticated animals and inherently non-toxic, yet they sometimes bite, causing chills and high fever that persist for a long time, and occasionally leading to death. This is a rare anomaly; effective rescue and detoxification methods are crucial.

This is the "Xi Mouse" (Mi Shu). It is small with a pointed mouth, often damaging cattle and horses, and its bite causes little pain. It is said to have a sweet taste, hence the name "Gan Shu" (Sweet Mouse). It occasionally bites humans.

There are many types of fish. Among them, such as Tai fish, their bones and spines are toxic. Injury results in swelling and pain.

The "E HT" (a venomous insect), also known as "Man", is as large as a toxic tick, resembling a tailless locust with two horns at the front. If touched at the rear, it moves backward; if touched at the front, it retreats. It lives inside tree bark and walls, and prefers paper books. It is round like elm seeds, colored dark red-black, with transverse lines on its back. It hatches in February and hibernates in October. It stings only during spring, summer, and autumn, with May, June, and July being the most venomous. The initial lesion resembles a bean, with a central purple-black area the size of a millet grain, surrounded by slight swelling and reddish or sometimes bluish coloration. It itches and invites scratching. If one consumes alcohol or engages in sexual activity, within 8-9 days (or up to 10+ days), the wound will ulcerate and discharge pus, and...