Shen Collection, Lower Volume Radical: Insect (chóng) 蝌 Kangxi Strokes: 15 Page 1088, Entry 35 Tang Dynasty Rhymes (Tangyun), Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), and Collection of Rhymes (Yunhui): Pronounced kē. Tadpole. Originally written as kē. Er ya (Erya), Explanation of Fish: Tadpoles are called huodong. Commentary: The young of a toad. This insect is known as kōdǒu and also as huodong. The head is round and large with a thin tail; ancient writing resembles it, which is why Kong Anguo stated that the tadpole script is that. Compendium of Materia Medica (Bencao): Also known as hanging needle or water fairy. Li Shizhen said: The tadpole is shaped like a pufferfish, with a round head and a blue-black body. When first hatched, it has a tail but no feet; as it grows slightly larger, feet appear and the tail drops off. It is used to treat scabies and can also dye hair and whiskers. Wings of Er ya (Eryayi): If the month has thirty days, the front two feet grow first. If the month has twenty-nine days, the back two feet grow first.