CH. VII.] LUMINOUS WINGED INSECTS. 125 



the body of the insects, or being imbosomed in the 

 interstitial substance. The light, when placed in 

 elevated temperatures, is destroyed, perhaps by de- 

 composition, which low temperature only tempo- 

 rarily suspends. 



We think it proper to add, that the glow-worm is 

 not the only insect which is capable of emitting a 

 light, but that there are several species in different 

 orders which possess this property in common. 

 The light is, however, displayed from various parts 

 of their bodies. Thus, in a rare insect [Paussus 

 sphcErocerus) from Africa, the globes of the antennae, 

 as we are informed by Mr. Afzelius, were, to his 

 astonishment, on opening a box, wherein he had 

 placed one for security, able to spread a phosphoric 

 light, like, to use his expression, two lanterns. 

 This so excited his curiosity that he was induced 

 to examine this singular phenomenon several times 

 during the evening. But on looking at it the follow- 

 ing morning, he found the insect dead, and that the 

 light had disappeared. 



The next insect, an inhabitant of South America, 

 is termed the firefly (Elater noct.iluca). It is about 

 an inch long, and one third of an inch broad, of a 

 dark brownish-black colour, except a yellow eyelike 

 tubercle, placed at each posterior angle of the tho- 

 rax. There are also two patches on the abdomen, 

 concealed by the wing-cases^ which are luminous. 

 When the insect is flying, it appears adorned with 

 four brilliant gems of the most beautiful golden-blue 

 lustre : in fact, the whole body of this remarkable 

 insect is stated to be full of luminous matter, which 

 shines forth between the abdominal rings when 

 stretched. This fact probably suggested the fol- 

 lowing lines of Darwin : — 



" Yovi bid in air the tropic beetle burn, 

 And fill with golden flame his winged urn." 



The light which proceeds from the two spots on the 

 L2 



