CHAPTER V 



THE GLOW-WORM 



HIS SURGICAL INSTRUMENT 



FEW insects enjoy more fame than the Glow- 

 worm, the curious little animal who celebrates 

 the joy of life by lighting a lantern at its tail- 

 end. We all know it, at least by name, even if we have 

 not seen it roaming through the grass, like a spark fallen 

 from the full moon. The Greeks of old called it the 

 Bright-tailed, and modern science gives it the name 

 Lampyris. 



As a matter of fact the Lampyris is not a worm at all, 

 not even in general appearance. He has six short legs, 

 which he well knows how to use, for he is a real gad- 

 about. The male, when he is full-grown has wing- 

 cases, like the true Beetle that he is. The female is an 

 unattractive creature who knows nothing of the delights 

 of flying and all her life remains in the larva, or in- 

 complete form. Even at this stage the word "worm" 

 is out of place. We French use the phrase "naked as 



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