THE WEST INDIAN FIRE BEETLE. 427 





power of description can convey a true idea of this singular 
sight, the tiny spark of our little five-fly appearing like noth- 
ing in comparison ; and this light is continued while they are 
in motion, and not intermitting like our own fire-fly. Their 
flight did not last many minutes (ages of torture to nervous 
_ dies who might happen to be in the room!!), being often 
brought to an end by the insect flying against the mirror 
_ or window curtain, and falling to the floor; sometimes they 
_ Would fly around one of the beetles which I held in my hand, 
and alight quite near it. 
Beginning their gambols just as the daylight fades away, 
they keep in an active state for about two or three hours, 
when they become quiet, moving but little, and ceasing in a 
great measure to give forth light. I have often noticed this 
tessation of light just after a period of excitement, and also 
just before they were to make an attempt to fly,—the power 
l of the nervous system seeming to exhaust itself by its vigor- 
Ous exercise, requiring rest afterward, or else they rest to 
Concentrate their energies for greater exertions. 
Being “birds of night” they remain dormant during the 
» hidden in the damp leaves or herbage, looking as if 
dead, but being full of life and activity as night draws on. 
have endeavored to cheat them by taking them into a dark- 
ened room during the day, but the attempt was not SUCCESS- 
they still remained quiet until the usual hour; and when 
disturbed by rough treatment and placed near a window, 
y invariably crawled towards the darker parts of the 
toom. One of my colony, by some mishap, got one of its 
side lanterns out of repair so that it emitted no light for two 
days, but after that time perfectly regained it. Most of the 
little pets seem to have met with the loss of one or more 
» and some have lost all; but this mutilation does not 
to interfere with their luminous powers at all. These 
Poor cripples have to be assisted more than their compan- 
When taking their food. 


















