Lewis & Short

† canthăris, ĭdis, f., = κανθαρίς.

  1. I. A genus of beetle, of several species; in pure Lat. scarabaeus parvus, Plin. 29, 4, 30, § 94; freq. used in medicine, id. 11, 35, 41, § 118; 29, 4, 30, § 93.
    Esp. the (very poisonous) Spanish fly, cantharides: Meloe vesicatorius, Linn.; Cic. Tusc. 5, 40, 117; id. Fam. 9, 21, 3; Ov. Ib. 306; cf. Plin. 29, 4, 30, § 94; 11, 35, 41, § 118.
  2. II. A worm injurious to the vine and rose, Pall. 1, 35, 6 and 4; cf. Plin. 18, 17, 44, § 152.