Bamboo Longhorn Beetle

The bamboo longhorn beetle is a unique insect found in the south. As its name suggests, it is a pest that harms bamboo. However, it is also used as a traditional Chinese medicine. Its main effects are to dispel wind-dampness and stop paralysis. It is commonly used to treat rheumatic paralysis, bruises, and other injuries. It is typically ingested internally, often by soaking it in alcohol according to the prescribed dosage and then drinking it. When using the bamboo longhorn beetle to treat illnesses, it is essential to follow the guidance of a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner.

Summary

Is the Bamboo Longhorn Beetle Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Yes, the bamboo longhorn beetle is used in traditional Chinese medicine. It has a spindle-shaped body, is reddish-brown with a glossy appearance. Its head, antennae, and mouthparts are black. The mouth is long, square-shaped, and tapering to a bifurcated tip. The chest and ventral surfaces of the insect's body are black and shiny. The prothorax is bell-shaped, with a large rectangular black spot near the posterior margin of the middle region. There are also large black spots on the posterior lower edges of both sides. The wings are short and do not cover the end of the abdomen. There is a large black spot at the base of the elytra, and each elytra has nine parallel, concave longitudinal grooves. The abdomen's terminal end is exposed beyond the elytra. Female insects have a blunt abdominal terminus, and the dorsal surface of the mouth has tumor-like protrusions.

Nutritional Value of the Bamboo Longhorn Beetle

The larvae of the bamboo longhorn beetle are long and cylindrical, with a milky white color. They are rich in protein, amino acids, fatty acids, mineral elements, vitamins, and other nutrients. The protein content can reach 30% to 40%, the amino acid content is 29.90%, the crude fat content is 60.42%, and the unsaturated fatty acid content is 55.9%. They are considered highly nutritious.

Benefits of Consuming the Bamboo Longhorn Beetle

The bamboo longhorn beetle larvae are nutritious and crispy, with a high protein content. They are believed to have anti-aging and beauty-enhancing effects.

Prevention and Control Methods for the Bamboo Longhorn Beetle

1. Bamboo Shoot Covers: Make conical covers from bamboo silk or other materials. Starting from early May, cover newly emerging bamboo shoots with these covers to prevent adult beetles from laying eggs and causing harm.

2. Killing Adults: Combine winter cultivation practices to kill adult beetles in the soil. After the adults emerge from the soil, they hide under shady bamboo leaves during midday, making them easy to capture and kill.

3. Chemical Control: During the adult egg-laying period, spray the tips of bamboo shoots with a 90% dipterex solution or a 50% dichlorvos solution every 7 days. Additionally, apply a 40% dimethoate emulsion to the insect holes within five days of adult egg-laying. This is most effective when the holes are fresh and moist (within one day of egg-laying), becoming grayish-white with a slight tint of green on the second day, grayish-black and dry on the third day, exposing only a small amount of fiber on the fourth day, and completely devoid of fiber and only containing insect feces on the fifth day.