THE BLISTER, OR SPANISH FLY. 



473 



plush-like hair of light brown. These insects may be found abundantly in old cup- 

 boards, and I once found a forgotten china jar filled nearly two inches deep with the 

 bodies of these little insects. 



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

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

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

 known by the name of CARDINAL BEETLE. The scientific title is Pyrochrba rubens. 

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

 Pyrochroidae, in allusion to the typical genus. The word Pyrochroa, or Flame-colored, 

 is given to this beetle on account of its bright red exterior. 



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

 the lame 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 BLISTER 

 FLY, sometimes called the SPANISH 

 FLY, is the typical species. 



In the whole of this family,certain 

 noxious elements are strongly de- 

 veloped, which, like all other nox- 

 ious things, can be transmuted and 

 modified in to benefits by those who 

 know how to use them. There is a 

 certain substance secreted within 

 these creatures technically called 

 Cantharidin, and looking, when 

 separated from extraneous matter, 

 like minute crystalline flakes of 

 snowy whiteness. It can be dis- 

 solved in spirit, but not in water. 



The Blister Fly is by no means 

 a common species in England, 

 though it has occasionally appeared 



in 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 maybe present, its vicinity is known 

 by the powerful odor 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 dust which flies from the dried and drying in- 

 sects 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 



OIL BEETLE.-*fe/oe vlolaceus. 

 BLISTER, OR SPANISH FLY. Cantharis veslcatoria. 



