About
蚧 is a phono-semantic compound with the radical 虫 on the left, denoting its biological category of insects, reptiles, and similar creatures. The component 介 on the right provides its phonetic value. This character is almost exclusively used in the term 蛤蚧, the name for the Tokay gecko, a large nocturnal lizard found in Asia. Its primary usage is in zoological and pharmacological contexts, as this species has long been collected and dried for use in traditional medicines targeting respiratory and internal conditions.