OF THE GLOWWORM (lAMPYRIS NOCTILUCA). 69 



of 60° Fahr. for a short time, they became aroused, gave out light, 

 and moved about apparently in search of food. 



On the 6th of January, when the temperature of the room had 

 remained for a day or two at only 33° Fahr., that of the external 

 atmosphere being then 28° Fahr., my larvae were again in a state 

 of hybernation, and when disturbed still gave out a faint light, 

 but when undisturbed no light was perceptible : this I think still 

 further confirms the view I have advanced, as at this low tem- 

 perature the respiration of the insect was almost completely sus- 

 pended. The part from which the light was given out was the 

 two spots on the penultimate or twelfth segment. 



On the 2nd of February, at a temperature of 45° Fahr., I found 

 the specimens aroused, and apparently disposed to feed: some 

 food was supplied to them, and they commenced feeding, but less 

 eagerly than in the autumn. 



From this time, during the months of March and April, they 

 were supplied with food: many of them died; several, however, 

 still remained to undergo their changes to the perfect state. 



On the 28th of May, the temperature being 70° Fahr., my 

 specimens were still feeding, and continued to do so until the 

 9th of June, a few days before which they ceased to take nourish- 

 ment and became more inactive. 



Change of Tegument of the Larva. 



I have not been able to ascertain with precision the number of 

 times the larva changes its tegument before arriving at its full 

 size. I believe, however, there are four changes. The mode in 

 which this is performed differs from that of many other larvae, as 

 it has been correctly described by some observers. 



I have several times witnessed the operation. It is effected 

 by a lateral fissure on each side of the prothorax and mesothorax, 

 extending forwards to the neck behind the head, so that the whole 

 may be elevated like the lid of a box, out of which the larva first 

 presses its thoracic segments, and then withdraws its head and the 

 organs of sense, and the legs, slipping backwards the skin to the 

 extremity of its body. 



At the time of the larva leaving the»skin it is perfectly white 

 and colourless, delicate and easily injured, and when disturbed 

 or touched gives out its light more vividly. Immediately the 

 tegument has been cast, the larva coils itself up in a circle, and 

 seems forcibly to extend all the segments of its body, protruding 



