Marvels of the Universe 959 
Dimorphodon, it must be remarked, represents the oldest, most ancient of all the known 
flying dragons, and remains thereof have been obtained from the Lower Lias of Dorsetshire. 
Remains of Teleosaurus, with its sprawling, interlocking teeth and short fore-limbs, have been 
found in our Stonesfield slate, which was deposited in a period remote from the Lower Lias ; but 
there is good evidence to show that, nevertheless, Dimorphodon stretched the span of the ages, 
and loved to squabble with the upstart crocodile, as has been so vividly portrayed by Mr. 
Whymper in our coloured plate. 
LANTERN-FLIES 
NATuRE seldom indulges in freaks merely for the purpose of display ; and yet it is difficult otherwise 
to account for the strange formations of the Lantern-flies. An explanation would not be difficult 
if the tales of the luminosity of these insects were to be believed ; but although the insects are by 
no means rare, so little confirmatory evidence is forthcoming on this subject that there is every 
reason to doubt the assertion that the Lantern-fly shown on page g6r “has four luminous spots, 
two on the upper surface of the abdomen and two on the under surface, the former giving a purple 
and the latter a green light.” On equal grounds, the power of the Torch-fly on page 960 to 
carry a light “like a star” at the end of its long, tubular head is open to discussion. Certainly 
it is from these supposed light-giving qualities that the popular name has been derived ; for once 
given the attribute of luminosity, the large empty and semi-translucent head-cavities of the insect 
would soon in the popular imagination become a lantern in which would glow a subtle fire during 
the night hours. 
But the cautious naturalist will find a possible solution to the riddle of such abnormal growths in 
A PTERODACTYL. 
One variety of the great family of winged lizards which flourished at a remote period in the world’s history. Notice the 
peculiarly racquet-shaped tail-wing distinguishing it from all others of its tribe. The giant of the Pterodactyls, the Pteranodon, 
is shown on page 341, while the Dimorphodon of the coloured plate is yet another species. 
