Shen Collection, Middle Volume. Radical: Insect (chóng). Character: Cao. Kangxi stroke count: 17. Page 1094, Entry 49.
Classical citations:
Tang Rhymes (Tangyun) states: Pronounced cao. Rhyme Meeting (Yunhui) and Correct Rhymes (Zhengyun) state: Pronounced cao, with the same pronunciation as cao.
Erya (Erya), Explanation of Insects, records: Fen is the same as qicao. Note: They live in feces and soil.
Zhuangzi (Zhuangzi), Chapter of Perfect Happiness (Zhile), mentions: The roots of the wuzu plant transform into qicao.
Compendium of Materia Medica (Bencao) records: Also known as ruqi, also known as earth silkworm, also known as yingtiao. The large ones are like a thumb, and they move by rolling on their backs.
Long Notes on the Explanation of Graphs (Shuowen Changjian) explains: Cao refers to a government office, meaning numerous, which is why the character shape is derived from cao.