Spanish fly

plural Spanish flies

1. uncountableusuallyA supposed aphrodisiac extracted from the blister beetle Lytta vesicatoria; cantharidin, the active ingredient, a vesicant used as a defence by L. vesicatoria and other blister beetles.

   2010, Carol Turkington, Deborah R. Mitchell, cantharidin, entry in Encyclopaedia of Poisons and Antidotes, 3rd Edition, page 49, Ingestion of Spanish fly causes burning in the throat and sloughing of the upper gastrointestinal tract.

   1 more example

   The best-known aphrodisiac is Spanish fly, which is made from the wings of the blister beetle. Spanish fly creates a condition known as priapism in men. This is long-standing erection, which sounds good in theory. Unfortunately, Spanish fly removes all sensitivity from the organ, rendering it ineffective. In women the results are more severe. These include depression, vomiting, inflammation of the kidneys, and even death.

   2012, Richard Webster, The Encyclopedia of Superstitions, page 11

   Synonyms: cantharis, cantharides

2. countableusuallyThe beetle Lytta vesicatoria.

   Spanish flies applied to the skin produce blisters (vesication, with inflammation and even sloughing).

   2003, T. F. Allen, Hand Book of Materia Medica and Homoeopathic Therapeutics, page 266

   1 more example

   The Spanish fly abounds in the south of France, Spain, and Italy, and is found on the ash, lilac, privet, elder, honeysuckle, plum, willow, and elm trees.[…]The American fly is rather smaller than the Spanish fly, and of a much darker color.

   1850, Thomas Duché Mitchell, Materia Medica and Therapeutics, page 248

   Synonyms: cantharis