CHAPTER IX. 



MALACODEBMI. 



In this group of Beetles are gathered together a number of 

 Beetles differing much from each other in many points, but 

 agreeing in the one characteristic which has gained for them 

 the name of Malacodermi, or Soft-skinned Beetles. In these 

 insects the exterior of the body, instead of being quite hard 

 and strong, as is the case with those Beetles which we have 

 examined, is soft and flexible, and generally covered with a 

 very short and delicate down. 



We begin our notice of tliese Beetles with the family of the 

 Lampyridse, of which only one species inhabits England, namely, 

 the well-known Gtlow-worm (^Lampyris noctiluca). In this 

 family, the female possesses neither wings nor elytra, the head 

 is concealed imder the large and rounded prothorax, and 

 both sexes have the power of emitting a phosphorescent light, 

 the lamp of the female being very much brighter than that of 

 her mate. 



This, almost our sole representative of the exotic light-giving 

 insects, is fortunately very plentiful in this country, and may 

 be seen abundantly in sheltered spots, preferring those which 

 are slightly damp. It is very abundant in Kent, and in the 

 summer evenings the green-blue lamp of the Glow-worm may 

 be seen shining amid the leaves. If examined in the dark, the 

 light is seen to proceed from the three last segments of the 

 body, the under side of which emits the light in a wavering, 

 uncertain sort of way, the fact of being handled seeming to 

 alarm the insect and cause it to retain the light-giving power. 

 Sometimes, indeed, it puts out its lamp altogether when 

 'handled, tlie light being evidently under the control of the in- 

 sect. It is said, however, that if a Glow-worm be placed in 

 oxygen gas the light is greatly intensified, and the Beetle 



