Poisonous Arthropods 
56 
Certain Aphididae contain a strongly irritating substance which 
produces, not merely on mucous membranes but on outer skin, a 
characteristic inflammation. 
It has been frequently reported that the larvae of the Eurpoean 
cabbage butterfly, Pieris brassiere, accidentally eaten by cows, horses, 
ducks, and other domestic animals, cause severe colic, attempts to 
vomit, paralysis of the hind legs, salivation, and stomatitis. On 
postmortem there are to be found haemorrhagic gastro-enteritis, 
splenitis, and nephritis. Kobert has recently investigated the subject 
and has found a poisonous substance in the blood of not only the 
larvae but also the pupae. 
