# Spanish Fly (*Lytta vesicatoria*)

The Spanish Fly is a bright green beetle known for its special ability to produce a chemical that can cause irritation. They are often found in warm places and are interesting to observe, but it's best to admire them from a distance!

- **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 4/5 · High
- **Habitat:** Grasslands

![Spanish Fly](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Lytta-vesicatoria.jpg&width=800)

Photo: Franco christophe, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lytta-vesicatoria.jpg)

## Appearance

The Spanish Fly is a strikingly metallic, iridescent green beetle with an elongated, cylindrical body. Its vibrant, almost jewel-like color sets it apart, often appearing to shimmer in sunlight. It has prominent antennae and a relatively soft, flexible exoskeleton.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Arthropoda
- **Class:** Insecta
- **Order:** Coleoptera
- **Family:** Meloidae
- **Genus:** Lytta

## Interesting facts

- Ancient Romans and Greeks used Spanish Fly in remedies!
- Despite its name, it's actually a type of beetle, not a fly!
- These amazing insects can live up to a month as adults.
- Touching them can cause a blister because of their special defense!

## Special abilities

- **Chemical Shield:** Spanish Fly can produce a powerful blistering chemical called cantharidin that helps them deter predators.
- **Iridescent Warning:** Spanish Fly has a shiny, metallic green exoskeleton that helps them visually warn predators of their toxicity.
- **Bee Nester:** Spanish Fly larvae can parasitize bee nests, consuming stored food and young bees for growth.

## Measurements & details

- **Size:** 15-25 mm
- **Lifespan:** 20-40 days
- **Leg Count:** 6

## Diet & Feeding

Adults feast on tree leaves, while their larvae have a surprising diet inside bee nests!

- **Age differences:** Larvae are parasitic, feeding on bee eggs and stored pollen/honey. Adults are herbivorous.
- **Primary Foods:** ash leaves, lilac leaves, poplar leaves, willow leaves, honeysuckle leaves
- **Foraging Method:** Foraging

## Ecological connections

- **Eats:** European Ash (*Fraxinus excelsior*) — Adults commonly feed on the leaves of this tree species.
- **Eats:** [Common Lilac](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-lilac) (*Syringa vulgaris*) — Its foliage is a preferred food source for the adult beetles.
- **Parasitizes:** Ashy Mining Bee (*Andrena vaga*) — Larvae invade the underground nests of this ground-nesting bee.

## Traits

- [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
- [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
- [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
- [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
- [Toxic](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/toxic): Toxic organisms contain substances that are poisonous and can cause adverse effects upon exposure.
- [Poisonous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/poisonous): Poisonous organisms produce toxins that can cause harm when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through contact.
- [Venomous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/venomous): Venomous organisms produce toxins that are injected into another animal, typically through a bite or sting.

## Collections

- [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects)

## Safety

**Danger:** 4/5 · High

Do not touch or pick up Spanish Flies, as they can be harmful.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Spanish Fly?

Look for hard wing covers meeting in a line down the back, then compare the antennae, body shape, legs and markings. Metallic colors shift a lot with lighting. Beetle Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How big is Spanish Fly?

15-25 mm

### How long does Spanish Fly live?

20-40 days

### What does Spanish Fly eat?

Adults feast on tree leaves, while their larvae have a surprising diet inside bee nests!

### Where is Spanish Fly usually found?

Grasslands

### How does Spanish Fly hunt?

Foraging

### How many legs does Spanish Fly have?

6

## More Insects

- [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*)
- [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*)
- [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*)
- [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*)

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Source: [Spanish Fly: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spanish-fly)