Shen Collection, Middle Volume Radical: Insect (chóng) 蟢 Kangxi stroke count: 18 Page 1097, Entry 10 Pronounced xi (rising tone). Xizi is the name of a type of insect, also known as xiaoshao (a species of long-legged spider). In the Treatise on Aversion to Birds of Prey (Lingqin E'niao Lun) by Cao Zhi, it is mentioned that those who capture a xizi will nurture it and then release it, as this insect is considered beneficial to humans. According to the New Treatise (Xinlun) by Liu Xie, there is a folk belief that seeing a xizi during the daytime is an auspicious omen signifying that a joyous event is about to occur.