August, 1935. The Queensland Naturalist 
85 
They were found associated with slimy threads at- 
tached to the roof of the cave, more particularly in the 
darker parts, but also near the mouth where it was rela- 
tively light. When they were disturbed they made their 
way along the threads into crevices in the rock from 
which it was very difficult to remove them. The exact 
function of these threads is not exactly known. The glow 
is produced by a definite photogenic organ situated at 
the end of the abdomen. It is said to be produced by the 
oxidation of a compound known as luciferin in the pres- 
ence of an enzyme-like substance, luciferase. This takes 
place in a special group of cells beneath the integument 
known as the photogen layer which is richly supplied 
with tracheae, which provide a plentiful supply of 
oxygen. Beneath the photogen layer is a reflector layer, 
which contains a number of cells with a whitish appear- 
ance due to the presence of numerous urate and other 
crystals. 
A pair of adults of the “ glow-worm” were taken on 
the wall of the cave, which, on examination, proved to be 
practically identical with Bolitophila luminosa Sk., the 
species found in N.Z. and N.S.W. What a remarkable 
distribution has this species! It must be pointed out that 
these “ glow-worms' ’ must not be confused with the 
“glow-worms” so common .in the Queensland rainforests. 
The latter are the larvae and wingless females of a num- 
ber of beetles belonging to the family Lampyridae, of 
which the winged adults are known as “Fire-flies.” 
QUEENSLAND NATURALISTS’ CLUB EXCURSION, 
4-6 MAY, 1935. 
By N. Jack. 
BIRDS AT BALD KNOB, BLACKALL RANGE. 
In compiling a list of birds seen and heard during 
the Labour Day week-end excursion, spent at Bald Knob, 
I am bound to admit that my list is not a very imposing 
one, due to the fact that the short time at our disposal did 
not permit of me to make an exhaustive analysis of the 
bird life of that district. Unfortunately, I could not find 
an opportunity to explore the abundant rain forest found 
there, so in consequence, my list is lacking in those species 
that are almost certain to be found in that particular type 
of country. 
The presence of one bird in my list, in my opinion, 
calls for comment. I am referring to the Bell Bird, or 
more properly, Bell Miner (Manorina melanophrys). 
