in zoology, a genus of insects belonging to the order of insecta coleoptera. The feelers of this genus are setaceous; the breast is marginated, and shorter than the head; the elytra, or wing-cases, are flexible; and the sides of the belly are plaited and papillose. Linnæus enumerates 27 species of the cantharis, most of them to be found in different parts of Europe. Europe. The cantharis used in making blistering plasters, is ranked under a different genus, viz. the Meloe. See Meloe.