356 Phosphorescent Insects. Their Metamorphoses.  [June, 
in the apterous female of Lampyris, we may suppose this to be 
intermediate between the true larva anda higher form, the winged 
Coleopteron, of which latter Agassiz says, “ they are scarcely more 
than worms, with certain structures and functions to suit their 
needs.” . 
These aptera having a latent capability for higher development, 
in consequence of certain influences, differentiation begins, any 
apparent change having been preceded by imperceptible ones, 
such as the gradual concentration of nerves and muscular fibre 
in the wing-bearing segments. Rudimentary wings and elytra . 
resulting from their fusion under constantly favoring circum- 
stances, attain the maximum of their development in the hardier 
types of winged Lampyride. Ata certain point we have male 
. and female fireflies as the typically perfect insect. 
Once having acquired wings an insect might by prolonged 
flight change its relations, and may thrive for a while in its new * 
habitat. But either suddenly or by slow process its surroundings 
are changed. Climatic influences, after a time, test the powers of | 
the winged articulate. Many insects may be presumed to perish, 3 
others modify their structures and functions, by non-use of some 
and development of others. By this course, which must be at- — 
tended with great loss to individuals, incident to race preserva- 
tion, some attain a degree of conservative perfection. . 
In some instances the more robust individuals which are able — 
to contend successfully with the elements, like sturdy gymnasts 
who develop their muscles by muscular effort, gradually assume 
a still hardier habit, which is transmitted to their progeny in the 
larger and more powerful organs of flight, stronger manducatory 
organs and more fully developed eyes and feet. This evidently ` 
progressive phase may be coincident with apparently retrograde 
metamorphosis in some of the feebler members of the same 
family. The first tendency to degradation may be preceded by 
what is termed “an accident,” a deformity occasioned by the 
insect’s wings having been mutilated when rudely tossed against 
resisting objects by the winds. This peculiar feature appears m 
the offspring as an inherited shortening of the wings, it bemg — 
well known that peculiarities acquired, or losses sustained, are not — 
only transmissible to the progeny but frequently in an exags®™ 
ated form. The transition of an insect from an arial life to that — 
of an apterous creeper would, if gradual, be coincident with cor- 
