THE BLISTER, OR SPANISH FLY. 



473 





hair of light brown. These insects may be found abundantly in old cupboards, and 

 I once found a forgotten china jar rilled nearly two inches deep with the bodies of these 

 little insects. 



To WAEDS the middle of spring and for the next month, may be found certain very 

 handsome looking beetles of a deep rich red colour, and remarkable for the beautifully 

 toothed antennae. This insect is to be seen mostly upon flowers, and is popularly known 

 by the name of CAEDINAL BEETLE. The scientific title is Pyrochroa rubens. This is the 

 only British genus of the family to which it belongs, and which is called Pyrochroidse, 

 in allusion to the typical genus. The word Pyrochroa, or Flame-coloured, is given to this 

 beetle on account of its bright red exterior. 



A succeeding family, the Mordellidse, is chiefly remarkable for the curious fact that 

 the larvse of several of its genera, those of Ripiphorus for example, inhabit the nest of the 

 common wasp, undeterred by the poisoned stings of their involuntary hosts from taking 

 possession of their home. It seems that each specimen of this beetle monopolizes a 

 single cell, and entomologists are of opinion that the nurse wasps feed the intruders, 

 together with the rightful owners of the cells, not being able to distinguish between them. 



THE two insects represented 

 in the accompanying illustration 

 are found in England, and are 

 here given as examples of the 

 family Cantharidae, of which the 

 BLISTEE FLY, sometimes called 

 the SPANISH FLY, is the typical 

 species. 



In the whole of this family, 

 certain noxious elements are 

 strongly developed, which, like 

 all other noxious things, can be 

 transmuted and modified into 

 benefits by those who know how 

 to use them. There is a certain 

 substance secreted within these 

 creatures technically called Can- 

 tharidin, and looking, when sepa- 

 rated from extraneous matter, like 

 minute crystalline flakes of snowy 

 whiteness. It can be dissolved 

 in spirit, but not in water. 



The Blister Fly is by no means 

 a common species in England, 

 thougli it has occasionally ap- 

 peared'''^ considerable numbers. 



In such cases, however, it is extremely local, and does not appear to be disseminated 

 through the country. Spain is famous for the multitudes of Blister Flies which are 

 found within its limits, and the whole of South-western Europe is prolific in this 

 remarkable beetle. Whenever it may be present, its vicinity is known by the powerful 

 odour which it exhales, just as the musk and tiger beetles may be detected by the nostril, 

 though unperceived by the eye. On account of its peculiar properties, it is not easily 

 prepared, the du?t which flies from the dried and drying insects being light, searching, 

 pungent, and inflammatory to the last degree. 



The larva or grub of this beetle is said to reside under ground, and to feed upon the 

 roots of vegetables. 



The Spanish Fly is a handsome insect, nearly an inch in length, and of a rich silken 

 green, with a gold gloss in certain lights. It is a very remarkable fact that fish will eat 

 the Cantharis without injury, and anglers have found, rather to their surprise, that it' they 



OIL BEETLE. Meloe violucem. 

 BLISTER, OB SPANISH FLY. Cdntharis vesicatdria. 



