COLEOPTEROUS INSECTS. 
161 
the luminous matter is an elongated projection from 
the head, in the form of a rostrum or snout, which 
is dilated in one of the species ( Fulgora lanterna- 
ria) into a figure not unlike a mitre, and in others 
is fantastically adorned with knobs and spines ; 
through this organ the light is suffused in a lambent 
effulgence of considerable brilliancy. These insects, 
however, belong to the order Hemipterct , and their 
history does not fall within the scope of the present 
notice. 
The species of fire-fly that affords the finest exhi- 
bition of this interesting phenomenon, is named 
ELATER NOCTILUCUS. 
PLATE VII. Fig. 1. 
Pvroporus noctiluca, Dejean. 
It is upwards of an inch long, and one third of an 
inch broad. The colour is a uniform obscure blackish 
brown, and the body is everywhere covered with 
a short light-brown pubescence. The ’thorax is 
pretty convex, and there are two small depressions 
(at least' in one of the sexes) on the surface before 
the middle ; the hinder angles are produced into a 
strong conical spine, and between the hinder angle 
and the middle there is placed on each side a smooth 
convex round spot of a yellow colour; The elytra 
are indistinctly marked with rows of small punctures, 
which are most obvious at the base. The under 
L 
