What The Words “Spanish Fly” Mean

When someone says “Spanish fly” what do you think of? Do you think of a fly that’s Spanish? Do you think of the aphrodisiac supplement called Spanish Fly?

Originally, Spanish Fly referred to a green blister beetle. They’re called blister beetles because they’re poisonous: they secrete a blistering agent known as cantharidin. There are several species in the US.

Worldwide, there are about 7,500 species of thee blister beetles that are known to exist. The Spanish fly is one of these, known for it’s distinctively green color.

They can range from 1cm to about 2.5cm, are soft-bodied, and during the day, they can be seen on flowers. At night, they’re usually attracted to lights. Although the Spanish fly beetle is green, other species of the blister beetle are ash fray to bright yellow with black stripes.

Although the poisoning, blistering agent of blister beetles can be deadly, interestingly, it’s known for another property: aphrodisiac.

Increased blood flow to the genitals is one effect of cantharidin passing through the body. This is due to irrigation of the genitalia.

That’s why, throughout the ages, desiccated Spanish flies have been used as aphrodisiacs. This use spans back to the classical civilizations of the Mediterranean.

However, since cantharidin is a known toxin, it’s use as an aphrodisiac has been somewhat limited. There was a great challenge in trying to use it for it’s desired effect, without ingesting a lethal dosage of it.

This main secretion of the Spanish fly also has another use: as a topical application for treating warts. It can also be used to raise blisters.

Believe it or not, in North Africa, spices containing cantharides were actually sold. However, since the 1990s, that’s been banned.

They’ve also been used to make incense and the world’s first stink bomb.

Today, the meaning of the term Spanish fly depends on it’s context. As you know, if it’s used when speaking about insects and poisons, then the blister beetle is probably what’s referred to. Otherwise, the aphrodisiac supplement called Spanish Fly Pro may be what’s referred to.