Aspongopus (Hexagonal, flat oval, reddish-brown to black, back with 2 pairs of membranous, translucent wings, brittle and easily broken, hollow abdomen, gelatinous fracture surface, foul odor)
【Naming】
【Source】
Compendium of Materia Medica
【Common Use Level】
E
【Botanical Origin】
It is the dried whole insect of the stink bug Aspongopus chinesis Dallas.
【Characteristics】
The dried insect body is hexagonal, round, and flat, with a reddish-brown or brownish-black surface, about 2cm long and 1.2cm wide. The head is very small and triangular in shape. The back has 2 pairs of membranous, translucent wings. Removing the wings reveals an orange-red back, segmented, with a 1mm wide edge near the margin, alternating between brownish-red and brown in segmented patterns. The legs on the chest are mostly detached. The abdomen is brownish-red to brownish-black, with a greasy sheen, and each segment has raised small dots near the edge. The texture is brittle, and when broken, the abdomen contains light brown, oily, powdery substance. It has an aroma like fennel and a slightly salty taste.
【Identification】
The best quality is even in size, brownish-red, oily, and free from insect damage.
【Chapter】
Invertebrates