CH. VII.] LUMINOUS WINGED INSECTS. 129 



She also states, that the light proceeding from 

 one of these insects was sufficient to read a com- 

 mon newspaper. Parts of the lanternfly are formed 

 into armlets and necklaces, attached together by- 

 means of fine metallic thread, and worn by the 

 higher ranks of the Brazilian ladies, by whom their 

 splendour is considered exquisite and brilliant. 

 Such gems are these ornaments held by the ladies, 

 that the sum of ten to fourteen pounds is said to be 

 given for them. It has also been stated by a travel- 

 ler, that he journeyed many miles by the light of 

 these insects through the woods and district of the 

 Brazils. 



The second species, which is designated the 

 candlefly (Fulgora candelaria), is an inhabitant of 

 China, from whence dry specimens are sent in great 

 profusion. The light is said to proceed from the 

 projection in front of the head, as in the former, 

 though some authors have doubted the accuracy of 

 this idea. Mr. Donovan, in his book on the Insects 

 of China, has represented one seated on a flower, 

 emitting a powerful light, which light is stated to 



be of a faint purplish colour. This is supposed to 

 be the insect collected by the tenawhat (which may 



