LANTERN-FLIES. 65 



and under peculiar conditions ; be this as it may, scientific 

 opinion is entirely against its luminosity, and the light in 

 the figure of Fulgora lanternaria (Plate XII.) is introduced 

 merely to show its supposed appearance according to the 

 description of Mme. Merian and her supporters. The ques- 

 tion is so interesting, and so typical of many that arise, that 

 we introduce the opinions of the various authorities upon the 

 subject. 



The two most interesting species come from China and 

 South America, — Fulgora candelaria from the former, and 

 F. lanternaria from the latter. The Asiatic species is the 

 smallest, measuring about two inches in length, and notice- 

 able for the peculiar horn-like projection on the head, sup- ~ 

 posed to be the luminous organ. Its colors are rich and 

 attractive ; the head and proboscis, as we may call it, being a 

 fine reddish brown, apparently dotted here and there with 

 white specks. The thorax is a deep yellow hue ; the body, 

 black above, and yellow beneath. The wings are still more 

 striking, — the upper pair dark, with many green reticulations, 

 that divide the entire surface into many minute squares, 

 yellow spots being scattered here and there ; the under wings 

 are orange with black tips. 



The Fulgora lanternaria of South America is nearly three 

 inches and a half in length from the tip of the head to the 

 extremity of the tail, and about five inches and a half broad 

 with its wings expanded. The body is of a lengthened oval 

 shape, sub-cylindric, and divided into several rings or seg- 

 ments ; while the head is distinguished by a singular prolon- 

 gation, which sometimes equals the rest of the body in size. 

 The general color is yellow, variegated with many brown 

 stripes and spots. The wings are large and powerful ; the 



