6329. Mylabris

Nomenclature

Chinese cantharides; Chinese blistering flies.

Description and references

Dried insect, Mylabris sidae (Phalerata) Pallas, Coleoptera. Habit. China and East India. Constit. Cantharidin, said to be present in larger proportions than in cantharides (1-1.2%).

Properties

Black, cylindrical body, rounded above, flattish below; smaller than cantharides; black wing cases marked with a spot at point of insertion and has three tawny bands.

Caution

Highly toxic! See Cantharides.

Use

Source for cantharidin.