206 OTHER INSECTS. 
As it is not an uncommon occurrence that persons are 
bitten or stung by 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 any,fluid that will neutralize this acid is of benefit. If 

$i, 
Fig. 171.—Cow-killer, female. Greatly enlarged. Original. 
liquid ammonia can be had, this should be rubbed into the 
wound and all pain will cease very soon. In absence of this 
fluid, moist soil will give relief. 
It is always best not to handle insects one does not 
know, no matter how innocent they may appear. For in- 
stance the insect illustrated in fig. 171, (Sphwrophthalma 
semilima Smith), which 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 
stung 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. 
a 
