70 



Augii;*t, 



Note on Phosphoenus hemipterus. — The following is an account of tlie capture 

 of the insects recorded by Mr. Rye in the last No. of the Ent. M. Mag. 



Whilst watering plants in my garden late on a hot evening in May last, I 

 observed a spot of phosphorescent light at the foot of a wall, but failed to detect 

 its origin. On 12th June, when again watering the garden, after dark, I again 

 noticed a similar but moving light ; smaller, though not less bright, than that of a 

 glow-worm. This light I found to proceed from an insect then unknown to me, 

 possessing two equal luminous spots at its tail. I kept it alive for six days, but it 

 did not seem to eat anything, or to notice food, though engaged in restless un- 

 ceasing explorations of its prison, as if in search of something. Each night the 

 light grew fainter, which I attributed to physical exhaustion. On the 18th June 

 a second example was found by one of the servants, crawling over a white cloth 

 left on the bricks. This, though finer than the first, gave a smaller hght, but was 

 equally active. Occasionally it moved its short wing-cases, but its long and sub- 

 stantial antennae appeared to be the more important and sensitive organs, acting 

 as guides and aids. When they became laden with moisture or dirt, the insect 

 began at the base, and combed and cleansed each to the very last joint; when up 

 they went with a flourish, and recommenced their incessant vibrations. In crawling 

 along the edges of leaves the insect used its mandibles as assistants. At first I 

 thought it was going to eat, but found that it was only as a means of clinging 

 more closely in a dangerous position that these extra limbs were used. Also its 

 long flexible body became by turns lever, balance, drag, propeller, or claw. On the 

 upper-side the colour was so exactly that of the earth that, unless in motion, the 

 insect was most difficult to see, — it was somewhat paler towards the tail ; and 

 beneath, between the joints or rings, showed a decided pink. 



Against the light the semi-transparent tail showed two black spots where the 

 light was fixed, and these were equally bright above and beneath when shining. 

 I believe I am safe in asserting that only when disturbed the insect showed its 

 light, and then not for a continuance, or with an even glow. This second specimen 

 I unfortunately lost ; but, on the evening of the 25th June, I found a third example 

 in the water-butt ; and the following evening a fourth near where the first was 

 found. 



I can discover no means by which these insects, or any larvae, can have been 

 introduced into our garden — a small square between four high walls ; except that 

 in June, 1865, 1 brought home some ferns from the Jersey hedges : but, to diminish 

 their weight, all loose earth was shaken from the roots, which, besides, after being 

 several days in a tub of water, were packed in wet rags for the journey ; and 

 again stood in water for some days previous to planting. I can scarcely imagine, 

 therefore, that these insects can have then been introduced, in any stage, especially 

 as they are known to have the carnivorous habits of the glow-worm, and do not 

 frequent plants. — Catherine C. Hopley, 6, Albion Street, Lewes, Jidy, 1868. 



Notes of spring Rhynchophora on the south-east coast. — At the beginning of the 

 present month I had a day's collecting on the Deal sand-hills, but without any 

 great success. Phytonomus fasdculatus appeared under its accustomed "crane's- 

 bill," and near it CceUodes erigmcs. C. gera-nii I have never found in East Kent. 



