Spanish fly
Lytta vesicatoria
The Spanish fly is an emerald-green beetle in the family Meloidae, ''Lytta vesicatoria''. Other species of blister beetles used by apothecaries are often called by the same name. ''L. vesicatoria'' is sometimes incorrectly called ''Cantharis vesicatoria'', but the genus ''Cantharis'' is in an unrelated family, Cantharidae.
Cantharidin is a powerful irritant vesicant substance obtained from many blister beetles, and sometimes given the nickname "Spanish fly". Cantharidin is claimed to have aphrodisiac properties, as a result of its irritant effects upon the body's genitourinary tract, and can result in poisoning if ingested. Ingestion of blister beetles from infested hay causes similar serious toxic symptoms in animals.
Cantharidin is a powerful irritant vesicant substance obtained from many blister beetles, and sometimes given the nickname "Spanish fly". Cantharidin is claimed to have aphrodisiac properties, as a result of its irritant effects upon the body's genitourinary tract, and can result in poisoning if ingested. Ingestion of blister beetles from infested hay causes similar serious toxic symptoms in animals.