OIL BEETLE. 
295 
Another species of this genus, (the Meloe vesica - 
torius Linn.,) is well known for its activity in 
raising a blister. This is the common Spanish 
fly of the shops, and is a native of the warmer 
parts of Europe, as the South of France, Italy, 
Spain, and Portugal. This species is usually about 
an inch long and of a most brilliant colour, being of a 
rich gilded grass green mixed with azure. They are 
found on different trees, especially the ash, which 
they are said to be extremely fond of, insomuch 
that they will sometimes destroy all the leaves. It 
appears that they are frequently seen flying to- 
gether like swarms of bees, and that they emit a 
very disagreeable smell which taints the air to a 
considerable distance around them. This offensive 
smell is a guide for those who are employed to catch 
them, for it serves to conduct the persons to the 
desired spot where the insects are settled. When 
caught, they are tied in a piece of soft linen cloth, 
and killed with the vapours of hot vinegar ; after 
which they are dried in the sun and kept in boxes : 
they are then so light that fifty of them will hardly 
weigh a drachm. 
