1890.] Proceedings of Scientific Societies. : 693 
eleven linear joints, from each of which proceed two branches, as long 
as the entire antennz, curved and fringed both sides with long hair. 
The branches become shorter toward the outer extremity, and the 
effect is very similar to a white ostrich plume. The females of this 
and all the species of Phengodes are unknown. Beyond these charac- 
ters, the fireflies resemble the general coleopterous form. It is not 
difficult to catch and examine one, for they frequently rest on a stalk of 
grass, continuing to give out the intermittent yellow gleam, thus guid- 
ing one to the spot. In the hand the insect will be found to consist, 
seen from above, of the thorax in front, a semicircular piece orna- 
mented with rosy patches and a black spot, and two ‘ elytra,” parallel 
yellowish pieces, comprising the greater part of the dorsal aspect. 
Beneath will be found the head, concealed from above by the hood- 
_ like thorax, with biting jaws ; the six legs possessed by all beetles ; and 
the abdomen, divided into segments, from the last three proceeding 
the light which gives the family its name and renown. The light may 
be watched, throbbing and pulsating, as the small creature silently tells 
that it, like its captor, lives and breathes. If it be crushed, the light 
still continues for a time, but gradually dies away. In the dried speci- 
mens these segments are cream colored. The physical cause of the 
luminosity in fireflies is unknown, Dr. Leconte cites some partially 
successful experiments to isolate the actual luminous substance by Dr. 
Phipson and others, and the name ‘‘ Noctilucine’’ has been 
applied to it, and its existence stated in varied forms of marine life, in 
Myriapoda and in putrid fish, but I am not aware that positive results 
have been reached. 
The larve of these insects are also somewhat luminous, and are 
found in the grass in summer. They are carnivorous, and are to be 
reckoned among the beneficial insects. 
The description of the firefly is taken particularly from the species 
common in gardens, and the flight of that insect (P. scintillans) is also 
described, and as Mr, Davis has mentioned to me that the larger 
species have a more rapid flight, it is proper to so state here to guard 
against error. 
This list of our species includes all known to me from the neigh- 
borhood of New York, and Phengodes is new to the fauna of the 
vicinity. Being the result of the observations of two persons only, it 
would be hazardous to represent it as complete, particularly in view 
of the warm and sandy character of the southern end of the island, 
where we may hope to find additions to our list. They may be 
sought by jarring the leaves and branches of shrubbery where they 
remain during the day. 
