During the May Day holiday, the sun is just right and the breeze is not dry. It's a good time for people to travel with family and friends and enjoy this rare leisure time. But at the same time, we also need to be vigilant when we travel, some small insects in nature. Today, I would like to introduce you to such an insect that needs our attention: cryptopteryx.
1. What is Cryptoptera?
Cryptoptera, also called "flying ants". After the rain, it is the period when Cryptoptera is active, usually in moist grasslands. Cryptoptera are phototaxis and will fly towards lights at night.
Cryptoptera is an insect characterized by a small to medium-sized body shape, elongated, with slightly parallel sides or pointed ends that are slightly flattened. Their bodies are composed of black and red, with a black head and filamentous or club-like antennae, which are long, usually 10-11 segments. The forethorax and abdomen are orange or orange-yellow at the base, with two pairs of wings, the forewings are short and stiff, metallic blue or green, and the abdomen is completely naked; There are 3 pairs of feet, yellow or black, and the abdomen is yellow except for the end, which is black, and the tail has two tail spines. The larvae are elongated, similar in shape to adults except for the absence of wings, with 3 antennae and a pair of caudal processes on the 9th segment of the abdomen.
2. What are the hazards of cryptopteryx?
Cryptoptera contains a strong toxic substance, which is extremely corrosive and acidic, like a kind of "flying sulfuric acid". At the tail end of the abdomen, there is a special organ that discharges venom, and when a person comes into contact with it, it causes Cryptoptera dermatitis. This is a contact skin inflammation triggered by the venom of Cryptoptera, and symptoms develop gradually over a few hours to two days after exposure, including the appearance of edematous erythema in the form of strips, sheets, or punctates on the skin. As the condition progresses, the erythema becomes densely covered with papules, blisters, and even pustules, which can lead to skin erosions, crusting, and epidermal necrosis, accompanied by unbearable itching and burning pain.
Although this kind of harm is not as serious as that of vector organisms, it has also caused great inconvenience to people and should be actively prevented. In addition, for people with more sensitive bodies, it may also cause more serious systemic symptoms such as fever and vomiting. So how to prevent the infestation of Cryptoptera and how to deal with the bite of Cryptopterus?
Author: Zhou Bo
Source: Shenyang Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Editor: Bai Bing, Sun Kaifeng
Proofreading: Qiu Wei, Chen Zeming
Preliminary review: Gu Yuan
Review: Xu Jiang