A sourced illustration has not yet been added. This gap is included in the coverage record.
Overview
The Shenyijing describes Yingni as a minute flying creature beneath a mosquito’s wing. Only keen eyesight can detect it. It lays nine eggs, all of which hatch; the offspring fly away without the mosquito noticing. The text says it feeds on humans and other animals despite its almost imperceptible size.
Its seasonal movements distinguish it from a generic insect description. It emerges in spring and by late summer hides in deer ears. The ears are its hiding place, not parts of the creature’s own anatomy.
Origins & earliest records
China; named geography within the cited primary text
Records & interpretation
Direct primary transcription; illustrated edition checked where explicitly identified.
Selected bibliography
Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.
- 01
Shenyijing
Southern Wilderness, passage beginning 南方蚊翼下有小蜚蟲焉
Family & connections
A source-supported family tree or inspiration record has not yet been compiled for this profile. Related reading below indicates a connection in subject matter, not a proven lineage or creative influence.
Primary records and illustrations
Shenyijing
Southern Wilderness. Southern Wilderness, passage beginning 南方蚊翼下有小蜚蟲焉
Hosted Chinese primary transcription read directly; no modern translation treated as original.
References
Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.
- Primary text transcriptionShenyijing — Southern Wilderness, passage beginning 南方蚊翼下有小蜚蟲焉Research access: 2026-10-05
Image credits
A sourced illustration has not yet been added. This gap is included in the coverage record.
