206 



OTHER INSECTS. 



As it is not an uncommon occurrence that persons are 

 bitten or sttingby insects, it is well to know what will allay 

 the pain. Generally speaking all the poison injected by in- 

 sects into wounds, made either by the sharp mandibles or by 

 the still sharper sting, is composed mainly of formic acid, 

 hence anv.flnid that will neutralize this acid is of benefit. If 



Fig. 171. — Cow-killer, female. Greatly enlarged. Original. 



liquid ammonia can be had, this should be rubbed into the 

 wound and all pain ^11 cease very soon. In absence of this 

 fluid, moist soil will give relief. 



It is alwa^^s best not to handle insects one does not 

 know, no matter how innocent they max- appear. For in- 

 stance the insect illustrated in fig. 171, {Sj)h(i;rophthalma' 

 similima ^xmth) , \v\i\Qh. is so commonly seen running about 

 sandy spots, should be left alone. Children are very apt to 

 catch this prettily marked red and black insect, which re- 

 sembles a large ant. If they should succeed they will be 

 ?.tung very severely, and may be sick for many days. This 

 insect, or rather a larger southern species, has received the 

 very appropriate name: "cow-killer," a name indicating its 

 poisonous qualities. 



