✵This article documents the herb Trogopterus Dung—including its English name, Latin name, Pinyin name, properties and flavors, and its zoological sources: (1) Trogopterus xanthipes Milne-Edwards and (2) Pteromys volans L.—with a detailed description of the morphological features, growth characteristics, ecological environments, behavioral habits, and distinguishing traits of these two animal species; as well as the macroscopic and microscopic features of the herb itself, its pharmacological actions, medicinal efficacy, and administration guidelines.
Faeces Trogopterorum (Trogopterus Dung)
Pinyin Name: Wǔ Línɡ Zhī
English Name: Trogopterus Dung
Latin Name:Faeces Trogopterorum Properties and Flavors: Warm; bitter and sweet
Brief Introduction:Faeces Trogopterorum is the dried feces of Trogopterus xanthipes Milne-Edwards, used primarily to invigorate blood circulation and dispel blood stasis for relieving pain—especially in cases of epigastric and abdominal pain, and dysmenorrhea. It is commonly known as Faeces Trogopterorum, Trogopterus Dung, or Wǔ Línɡ Zhī.
Source: Classical herbal works define Faeces Trogopterorum (Trogopterus Dung) as the dried feces of either (1) Trogopterus xanthipes Milne-Edwards or (2) Pteromys volans L.Trogopterus xanthipes Milne-Edwards is an animal of the genus Trogopterus, family Sciuridae (squirrel family), order Rodentia. Pteromys volans L. is an animal of the genus Pteromys, family Sciuridae (squirrel family), order Rodentia. These two small mammals are described below:
(1) Trogopterus Xanthipes Milne-Edwards
Commonly known as Trogopterus xanthipes, Chén Zú Wú Shǔ (“Orange-footed Flying Squirrel”), or Fù Chǐ Wú Shǔ. Total length: ~54 cm; body length: ~20–30 cm; tail is long and thick, nearly equal in length to the body. Snout is short; head is broad; eyes are large and round; ears are conspicuous, with a thin, elongated black tuft of hairs at both the anterior and posterior bases. Hind limbs are longer than forelimbs, each bearing a curved claw; patagia (flying membranes) extend between the limbs. Orange spots scattered on the forehead and ears; dorsal pelage is grayish-yellowish brown—hair bases are charcoal gray (grayish-black), midshafts are yellowish, tips are dark brown (blackish brown); nuchal hairs are yellow and more vivid than those on the dorsum. Ventral hairs are ash gray (grayish-white) with pale orange tips. The patagium color matches the ventral surface, but its lateral margin is bright orange-yellow. Dorsal tail color resembles the dorsum but is lighter; tail tip is black, forming a longitudinal black stripe extending to the tip. Dorsal surfaces of fore- and hindfeet orange; hindfeet are otherwise black.
Trogopterus xanthipes is of medium size—slightly larger than the red-bellied squirrel—with a body weight of ~300–400 g, body length of 30–34 cm, tail is slightly flattened and approximately equal in length to the body, hindfoot length is 40–48 mm, and ear length is 30–35 mm. Head is rounded; eyes are large; snout is short; ears are large and rounded.
Ecological Environment:Trogopterus xanthipes inhabits pit caves and rock crevices on pine- and cypress-covered hillsides. It constructs nests in chasms or fissures of rocky escarpments; blackish-gray feces are commonly found near cave entrances. It is crepuscular—most active at dawn and dusk—and capable of gliding and climbing trees. Its diet consists mainly of cypress seeds (Semen Biota) and fresh leaves. As a forest-dwelling species, it inhabits coniferous and broad-leaved forests at altitudes of approximately 1,200 m above sea level, nesting in tall trees or steep rock-wall crevices.
Habits and Characteristics:Trogopterus xanthipes resides in tall pine trees and builds nests in mountain cliff caves or rock crevices. Its nest resembles a bird’s nest, constructed from branches, weeds, and other plant debris. It rests in the nest during daylight hours and emerges at dawn or dusk. It is highly adept at climbing and gliding. Its diet includes pine and cypress leaves, with a particular preference for cypress seeds. It breeds one to two times per year, producing 2–4 offspring per litter. Neonates are born hairless, but the patagium is exceptionally conspicuous.
(2) Pteromys volans L.
Pteromys volans L. is commonly known as Xiǎo Fēi Shǔ (meaning “small flying squirrel”) or the Siberian flying squirrel. Its body resembles that of a squirrel and is small, measuring 135–160 mm in head-body length. The tail length is about two-thirds of the head-body length. It has large eyes surrounded by narrow rings of black hair. Both the forelimbs and hindlimbs are connected by hairy patagial membranes. The tail is dorsoventrally flattened and densely covered with long, soft hairs. The overall pelage is dark grayish-black; in summer, the dorsal hairs become brownish-gray with grayish ripples; in winter, the dorsal color shifts to yellowish-gray. Ventral hairs are white. The lateral surfaces of the tail are orange-yellow. The hairs on the ventral surface of the patagium match those on the dorsum and venter.
Pteromys volans (the small flying squirrel) is small, with a head-body length less than 200 mm. Its snout is blunt. Eyes are large, ears are of normal size, and limbs are stout. The forefeet are bare, bearing metacarpal and digital pads; the hindfeet are hairy, lacking metacarpal pads but possessing four plantar pads. The tail is dorsoventrally flattened and feathered. Females have four pairs of mammae—two pairs on the chest and two pairs on the abdomen.
The pelage of Pteromys volans (the small flying squirrel) undergoes seasonal color change: in summer, dorsal hairs are brownish-gray, with gray bases and brownish-gray tips; the dorsal fur appears variegated—base color is black, midshaft is gray, and tips bearing black guard hairs—giving the dorsum a grayish-black rippled appearance. The patagium matches the dorsal color. The venter is gray; guard hair bases are light gray, and tips are white. There are black and brown rings around the eyes. Ears are covered with light brown, short hairs. The dorsal surfaces of the feet are brown; the metatarsi are covered with hazel (light tan) hairs. The dorsal surface of the tail and the midline of the abdomen bear a dark brown stripe faintly suffused with gray; the lateral surfaces are orange-yellow. Winter pelage is paler than summer pelage, appearing yellow or yellowish-gray.
The total skull length of Pteromys volans (the small flying squirrel) does not exceed 41 mm. The snout is short, reaching only one-quarter of the skull length. The cranial region forms a convex arc; the supraorbital process bears a single notch and projects backward along the orbital margin. The zygomatic arch is relatively flat. The nasal bones are short, and their distal ends are narrower than the width of the premaxillary ends. Auditory bullae are larger and longer than the upper tooth row. The foramen magnum is subrounded.
The smooth labial surface of the upper incisors projects slightly forward. The first upper premolar is small; the second upper premolar is large, with a crown slightly larger than that of the subsequent molars. Lower molar crowns possess highly distinct occlusal surfaces, closely resembling those of squirrels (Sciuridae). Dental formula = 22.
Ecological Environment:Pteromys volans (the small flying squirrel) inhabits remote, densely forested mountainous regions.
Habits and Characteristics:Pteromys volans inhabits remote, densely forested mountains and constructs nests in tree cavities. It is nocturnal and frequently glides between trees. Its diet consists mainly of pine seeds, acorns, young twigs, berries, and similar plant materials.
Characteristics of the Herb: (1) Faeces Trogopterorum Block: Also known as “sugar” Faeces Trogopterorum, it occurs as irregularly shaped blocks of varying sizes. The surface is blackish-brown (dark brown), reddish-brown, or taupe brown (grayish-brown), uneven and non-glossy; adherent particles are oblong, and the surface often exhibits cracking and a fibrous texture. The herb is hard in consistency; the fracture surface is yellowish-brown or tan (chocolate brown), uneven, with visible particulate matter and occasionally yellowish-brown resinous deposits. It has a distinctive, slightly foul odor.
(2) Faeces Trogopterorum Rice: Also known as “scattered” Faeces Trogopterorum, it consists of oblong-oval particles, 5–15 mm in length and 3–6 mm in diameter. The surface is blackish-brown (dark brown), reddish-brown, or taupe brown (grayish-brown), smooth or slightly rough. Pale yellow fibrous remnants are visible on the surface; some specimens exhibit slight glossiness. The herb is lightweight and friable—easily broken—with a loose texture. The fracture surface is yellowish-green or tawny (yellowish-brown), uneven and fibrous. It has a mild, characteristic odor.
Pharmacological Actions: (1) Inhibits ADP- and collagen-induced platelet aggregation in rabbits; (2) Increases coronary blood flow; (3) Exerts anti-stress effects; (4) Exhibits anti-inflammatory activity; (5) Possesses antibacterial properties, among others.
Medicinal Efficacy: Promotes blood circulation, alleviates pain, resolves blood stasis, stops bleeding, dispels stagnation, and detoxifies. It is indicated for: chest and abdominal pain due to Qi and blood stagnation; amenorrhea; postpartum blood stasis with pain; postpartum abdominal pain caused by blood stasis; uterine bleeding; menorrhagia; leukorrhea with bloody discharge; infantile malnutrition-related accumulation; and bites from snakes, scorpions, or centipedes. The raw herb is used to invigorate blood circulation and relieve pain; the stir-fried herb is used to arrest bleeding.
Administration of Faeces Trogopterorum (Wǔ Línɡ Zhī):
Reference:
Administration Guide for Faeces Trogopterorum (Wǔ Línɡ Zhī)
TCM Books:
(1) Internally: water decoction, 1.5–3 qián (≈4.5–9 grams); or prepared as pills or powder. External use: apply finely powdered herb topically as a paste. (2) Internally: water decoction, 5–10 grams; or prepared as pills or powder. External use: apply an appropriate amount of finely powdered herb topically—either sprinkled or as a paste.
Contraindications, Precautions, and Adverse Reactions: Faeces Trogopterorum should be used with caution during pregnancy. It is contraindicated with Panax ginseng root (Renshen).
✵This article documents the herb Trogopterus Dung—including its English name, Latin name, Pinyin name, properties and flavors, and its zoological sources: (1) Trogopterus xanthipes Milne-Edwards and (2) Pteromys volans L.—with a detailed description of the morphological features, growth characteristics, ecological environments, behavioral habits, and distinguishing traits of these two animal species; as well as the macroscopic and microscopic features of the herb itself, its pharmacological actions, medicinal efficacy, and administration guidelines.
Pinyin Name: Wǔ Línɡ Zhī
Commonly known as Trogopterus xanthipes, Chén Zú Wú Shǔ (“Orange-footed Flying Squirrel”), or Fù Chǐ Wú Shǔ. Total length: ~54 cm; body length: ~20–30 cm; tail is long and thick, nearly equal in length to the body. Snout is short; head is broad; eyes are large and round; ears are conspicuous, with a thin, elongated black tuft of hairs at both the anterior and posterior bases. Hind limbs are longer than forelimbs, each bearing a curved claw; patagia (flying membranes) extend between the limbs. Orange spots scattered on the forehead and ears; dorsal pelage is grayish-yellowish brown—hair bases are charcoal gray (grayish-black), midshafts are yellowish, tips are dark brown (blackish brown); nuchal hairs are yellow and more vivid than those on the dorsum. Ventral hairs are ash gray (grayish-white) with pale orange tips. The patagium color matches the ventral surface, but its lateral margin is bright orange-yellow. Dorsal tail color resembles the dorsum but is lighter; tail tip is black, forming a longitudinal black stripe extending to the tip. Dorsal surfaces of fore- and hindfeet orange; hindfeet are otherwise black.
Trogopterus xanthipes is of medium size—slightly larger than the red-bellied squirrel—with a body weight of ~300–400 g, body length of 30–34 cm, tail is slightly flattened and approximately equal in length to the body, hindfoot length is 40–48 mm, and ear length is 30–35 mm. Head is rounded; eyes are large; snout is short; ears are large and rounded.
Ecological Environment: Trogopterus xanthipes inhabits pit caves and rock crevices on pine- and cypress-covered hillsides. It constructs nests in chasms or fissures of rocky escarpments; blackish-gray feces are commonly found near cave entrances. It is crepuscular—most active at dawn and dusk—and capable of gliding and climbing trees. Its diet consists mainly of cypress seeds (Semen Biota) and fresh leaves. As a forest-dwelling species, it inhabits coniferous and broad-leaved forests at altitudes of approximately 1,200 m above sea level, nesting in tall trees or steep rock-wall crevices.
Habits and Characteristics: Trogopterus xanthipes resides in tall pine trees and builds nests in mountain cliff caves or rock crevices. Its nest resembles a bird’s nest, constructed from branches, weeds, and other plant debris. It rests in the nest during daylight hours and emerges at dawn or dusk. It is highly adept at climbing and gliding. Its diet includes pine and cypress leaves, with a particular preference for cypress seeds. It breeds one to two times per year, producing 2–4 offspring per litter. Neonates are born hairless, but the patagium is exceptionally conspicuous.
Pteromys volans L. is commonly known as Xiǎo Fēi Shǔ (meaning “small flying squirrel”) or the Siberian flying squirrel. Its body resembles that of a squirrel and is small, measuring 135–160 mm in head-body length. The tail length is about two-thirds of the head-body length. It has large eyes surrounded by narrow rings of black hair. Both the forelimbs and hindlimbs are connected by hairy patagial membranes. The tail is dorsoventrally flattened and densely covered with long, soft hairs. The overall pelage is dark grayish-black; in summer, the dorsal hairs become brownish-gray with grayish ripples; in winter, the dorsal color shifts to yellowish-gray. Ventral hairs are white. The lateral surfaces of the tail are orange-yellow. The hairs on the ventral surface of the patagium match those on the dorsum and venter.
Pteromys volans (the small flying squirrel) is small, with a head-body length less than 200 mm. Its snout is blunt. Eyes are large, ears are of normal size, and limbs are stout. The forefeet are bare, bearing metacarpal and digital pads; the hindfeet are hairy, lacking metacarpal pads but possessing four plantar pads. The tail is dorsoventrally flattened and feathered. Females have four pairs of mammae—two pairs on the chest and two pairs on the abdomen.
The pelage of Pteromys volans (the small flying squirrel) undergoes seasonal color change: in summer, dorsal hairs are brownish-gray, with gray bases and brownish-gray tips; the dorsal fur appears variegated—base color is black, midshaft is gray, and tips bearing black guard hairs—giving the dorsum a grayish-black rippled appearance. The patagium matches the dorsal color. The venter is gray; guard hair bases are light gray, and tips are white. There are black and brown rings around the eyes. Ears are covered with light brown, short hairs. The dorsal surfaces of the feet are brown; the metatarsi are covered with hazel (light tan) hairs. The dorsal surface of the tail and the midline of the abdomen bear a dark brown stripe faintly suffused with gray; the lateral surfaces are orange-yellow. Winter pelage is paler than summer pelage, appearing yellow or yellowish-gray.
The smooth labial surface of the upper incisors projects slightly forward. The first upper premolar is small; the second upper premolar is large, with a crown slightly larger than that of the subsequent molars. Lower molar crowns possess highly distinct occlusal surfaces, closely resembling those of squirrels (Sciuridae). Dental formula = 22.
Characteristics of the Herb: (1) Faeces Trogopterorum Block: Also known as “sugar” Faeces Trogopterorum, it occurs as irregularly shaped blocks of varying sizes. The surface is blackish-brown (dark brown), reddish-brown, or taupe brown (grayish-brown), uneven and non-glossy; adherent particles are oblong, and the surface often exhibits cracking and a fibrous texture. The herb is hard in consistency; the fracture surface is yellowish-brown or tan (chocolate brown), uneven, with visible particulate matter and occasionally yellowish-brown resinous deposits. It has a distinctive, slightly foul odor.
URL QR code:
