Recently, in Hunan Province, a woman's eyelids were badly rotted due to exposure to cryptopteryx. This seemingly inconspicuous little bug actually hides a huge danger. Cryptoptera, also known as blue-rumped insects or flying ants, is a huge family of insects in the kingdom of insects, with over 63,000 different species of members. These insects become active after the summer rains, especially in the moist meadows between June and September.
The dangers of cryptoptera
The danger of the cryptoptera lies not only in its numbers, but also in the highly acidic liquid it contains, with a pH between 1 and 2, which is equivalent to the acidity of concentrated hydrochloric acid. When people accidentally touch these insects, the acidic fluid in their bodies can easily cause skin burns and even worse. For example, if the venom of a cryptoptera comes into contact with the eye, it can cause conjunctival and corneal burns, and in severe cases, even blindness.
How to prevent Cryptoptera injuries
After learning about the dangers of cryptopteryx, it is especially important to take appropriate precautions. First, avoid using your bare hands to slap these insects directly while outdoors. Because cryptoptera rarely attack humans, most of the time people inadvertently trigger their defense mechanisms. Also, do not use your phone or other light sources in dimly lit environments, as Cryptoptera is attracted to light and may fly towards the light source.
Family & Personal Protection Strategies
At home, the invasion of cryptoptera can be stopped by installing window screens and screen doors. These small insects have strong phototaxis and prefer to fly to bright places. Therefore, keeping the light in your home moderate and turning off unnecessary lights at night can effectively reduce their harassment. In addition, regular cleaning of potential breeding areas such as damp corners and overgrown areas is also a good way to prevent the growth of cryptoptera.
Precautions for outdoor activities
When going out to places such as parks, suburbs, or the countryside, wearing long-sleeved clothing and long pants is a basic protective measure. This not only prevents the contact of cryptoptera, but also prevents mosquito bites. Carry mosquito repellent or insecticide with you, which you can use if necessary. If you come into contact with cryptopteras, remember to handle them gently to avoid rough behavior that provokes them to release venom.
What to do after accidental exposure
In the unlikely event of contact with cryptoptera venom, direct contact with your hands should be avoided in the first place. The bug can be gently removed using a tool such as duct tape, or gently blown away with a hair dryer instead of killing it to prevent its bodily fluids from coming into contact with the skin. At the same time, if you accidentally get splashed with venom, you should immediately rinse the affected area with plenty of clean water and seek medical attention as soon as possible. Self-treatment, such as applying ice or excessive wiping, may exacerbate symptoms, so it's best to stay calm and minimize activity in the affected area before getting professional medical help.
In general, although the insects are small, the problems they cause cannot be ignored. Effective prevention and response measures are key to protecting yourself and your family from them. Through education and the right dissemination of information, we can better understand these seemingly inconspicuous creatures and take a scientific approach to reduce their impact on our lives. The story of the cryptoptera reminds us that every living thing in nature has its own way of living, and understanding and respecting these ways is the starting point for living in harmony with nature.