mylabris

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

1. n. A genus of blister-flies of the family Cantharidæ, or the type of family Mylabridæ. There are several species possessing vesicatory properties, and used as cantharides, such as M. cichorii and M. indica. The genus is of great extent, with over 250 species, almost confined to the Old World, and distributed through Europe, Asia, and Africa. M. chrysurus and M. dimidiata are the only geographical exceptions, and there is some doubt about their position. The elytra cover the abdomen, the mandibles are short, and the antennæ, inserted above the epistomal suture, are gradually enlarged toward the tip. These beetles are often of large size, and the coloration is yellow bands or spots on a black ground, or vice versa. They fly in the blight sunlight and frequent low ground.