Jinsha Niu (also known as Ground Ox) is the larva of the antlion, a member of the antlion family. It is a traditional Chinese medicinal material and refers to the dried bodies of antlion larvae. Due to the scarcity of Jinsha Niu and the inability to cultivate it artificially, it is highly valued. So what are the biological characteristics of Jinsha Niu?
【Biological Characteristics of Jinsha Niu】
Jinsha Niu (Ground Ox) feeds on ants, flies, small spiders, and insects that pass by its burrow. It lives in alkaline loam soil under dry, windproof, and rainproof walls!
Jinsha Niu
Jinsha Niu larvae leave a small pit on loose yellow soil, which serves as a trap to catch prey.
Some places have many of these "small soil pits," and Jinsha Niu hides in the soil of these pits. Once prey falls in, it will come out and eat it.
The adult form of Jinsha Niu is called the "antlion." It may seem familiar as it often flies into houses at night and flies around the ceiling light like a "nuisance ghost." This is the adult form of the antlion.
The adult antlions live in grassy areas and mostly fly during dusk. The larvae live in dry sandy soil, forming funnel-shaped burrows and lurking at the bottom of the burrow, waiting to prey on small insects that fall in. They are found in southern China, Taiwan, Sichuan, and other areas.
"The Compendium of Materia Medica" states: "Shā Rǎnzi (Jinsha Niu) is poisonous and can kill birds and beasts. It lives in sandstones and creates spiral holes. It has worm-like creatures the size of soybeans with spines on their backs. They can walk backwards and are also known as 'sleeping insects' due to their love of sleeping."
【Efficacy and Functions of Jinsha Niu】
Jinsha Niu, also known as Ground Ox, scientifically known as "antlion," is mainly used for medicinal purposes. It can be used to treat conditions such as hypertension, urinary tract stones, gallstones, osteomyelitis, vasculitis, otitis media, and more.
Jinsha Niu has high medicinal value and naturally commands a high price. Live Jinsha Niu can be sold for over 4000 yuan per kilogram.
Dried Ground Ox is ground into powder and applied in appropriate amounts to the affected area, which can treat knife wounds. In folk medicine, this insect is usually ground into powder and used to treat tinnitus or otitis media.
Jinsha Niu has a pungent and salty taste, and a warm nature. It is toxic and has diuretic and detoxifying effects. It is mainly used to treat urinary stones, malaria, boils, and scrofula.
Treatment for malaria: Take eleven pieces of Ground Ox, mix with alcohol, and swallow. Take it half an hour before the onset of malaria. For chronic malaria, take it for one week.
【Breeding Methods of Jinsha Niu】
Currently, the number of these insects is very low, and it is almost impossible to cultivate them artificially, so their value is extremely high.
Jinsha Niu prefers sandy areas and is common in sandy soil at the foot of cliffs.
Jinsha Niu can be captured throughout the year. They are mostly captured in the nesting places of antlions during summer and autumn, by shoveling and sieving the sand. After capture, they are lightly fried over low heat until the body expands.
Ground Ox is light in weight and has a brittle texture. It has a slight fishy smell and a slightly salty taste. The best quality specimens are large, intact, yellow-brown in color, light in weight, and free of sand and mud.
The adult antlions live in grassy areas and mostly fly during dusk. The larvae live in dry sandy soil, forming funnel-shaped burrows and lurking at the bottom of the burrow, waiting to prey on small insects that fall in. They are found in southern China, Taiwan, Sichuan, and other areas.
