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[[File:Spanish Fly.jpg|thumb|Spanish Fly]] | [[File:Spanish Fly.jpg|thumb|Spanish Fly]] | ||
− | Commonly found throughout southern Europe, parts of Central Asia and Siberia, the '''Spanish Fly''' '''''(Lytta vesicatoria)''''' is actually a beetle. They are signified by the secretion of '''Cantharidin''', which is common among almost all male species of the '''blister beetle''' family (Meloidae). | + | # Commonly found throughout southern Europe, parts of Central Asia and Siberia, the '''Spanish Fly''' '''''(Lytta vesicatoria)''''' is actually a beetle. They are signified by the secretion of '''Cantharidin''', which is common among almost all male species of the '''blister beetle''' family (Meloidae). |
− | + | # The '''Spanish Fly''', and some of its related species, were earlier used for the preparation of medicines by conventional apothecaries. '''Cantharidin''', a toxic, defensive chemical found in the '''blister beetle''', had been used for over a thousand years as a sexual stimulant. In concentrated amounts, the chemical causes severe '''blistering'''. It is potent enough to cause serious complications and is fatal above a certain dosage. | |
− | The '''Spanish Fly''', and some of its related species, were earlier used for the preparation of medicines by conventional apothecaries. '''Cantharidin''', a toxic, defensive chemical found in the '''blister beetle''', had been used for over a thousand years as a sexual stimulant. In concentrated amounts, the chemical causes severe '''blistering'''. It is potent enough to cause serious complications and is fatal above a certain dosage. | ||
== Description/Etymology == | == Description/Etymology == |