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THE OIL BEETLE. 
Towards the middle of spring and for the next month, may be found certain very hand- 
some looking beetles of a deep, rich, red color, and remarkable for the beautifully-toothed 
antennae. This insect is to be seen mostly upon dowers, and is popularly known by the name 
of Cardinal Beetle. The scientidc title is Pyrochroa rubens. This is the only European 
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 chiedy remarkable for the curious fact that the 
larvae of several of its genera, those of the lUpipliQrus, for example, inhabit the nest of the 
common wasp, undeterred by the poisoned stings of their involuntary hosts from taking pos- 
session 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 insect represented in the accompanying illustration is found in Europe, and is here 
given as an example of the family Cantharidse, of which the Blister Fly, sometimes called 
the Spanish Fly, is the typical species. In the illustration, both insects and the larva are 
magnided. 
In the whole of this family, certain noxious elements are strongly developed, which, like 
all other noxious things, can be transmuted and modided into benedts 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 
dakes of snowy whiteness. It can be dissolved in spirit, but not in water. 
Spain is famous for the multitudes of Blister Flies which are found within its limits, and 
the whole of South-western Europe is prolidc in this remarkable beetle. Whenever it may be 
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 dies from the dried and drying 
insects being light, searching, pungent, and indammatory 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 dsh will eat the Cantharis 
without injury, and anglers have found, rather to their surprise, that if they could dx a Can- 
tharis on their hook, it proved to be a very effectual bait for dsh, the chub seeming particu- 
larly fond of this very stimulating food. The common hedgehog has been known to eat these 
insects with impunity. 
Belonging to the same family, and very common in Europe, is an insect which popularly 
goes by the appropriate name of Oil Beetle, because, when handled, it has the property of 
pouring a yellowish, oily duid from the joints of its legs. 
The abdomen is extremely large in proportion to the rest of the body, and the short, 
