Wugu Chong (Grain Insect) (flattened cylindrical shape, yellowish-white, loose, crisp, and easily broken)
【Name】
【Source】
Compendium of Materia Medica (Bencao Gangmu)
【Frequency of Use】
E
【Botanical Origin】
The dried larvae of *Chrysomyia megacephala* (Fab.) of the Calliphoridae family, or other closely related insect flies. The medicinal material is also known as Shuixianzi (Water Fairy).
【Characteristics】
The dried insect body is flattened cylindrical, with a relatively pointed head, 1~1.5 cm long and 2~3 mm wide. It is yellowish-white, and some are slightly transparent. It is loose, crisp, and easily broken, and the cross-section has many vacuoles.
【Identification】
The best quality is light in weight, dry, light yellowish-white, and odorless.
【Category】
Invertebrates