. Animal physiology. Physiology, Comparative. LUMINOSITY OF INSECTS. 331 400. There are a few other Insects not included in these families, which are reputed to possess luminous powers ; and of these the most remarkable are the Fulgorce, or Lantern- flies (fig. 175); of which one species inhabits Guiana, whilst another is a native of China. These are in- sects of very remark- able form, having an extraordinary proj ection upon the head ; and this is the part said to be luminous. The au- thority for the assertion, 1 • 1 1 j-i? 1 Fig. 175. —FULGORA LANTERNARIA. however, is doubtiul; and many Ent
. Animal physiology. Physiology, Comparative. LUMINOSITY OF INSECTS. 331 400. There are a few other Insects not included in these families, which are reputed to possess luminous powers ; and of these the most remarkable are the Fulgorce, or Lantern- flies (fig. 175); of which one species inhabits Guiana, whilst another is a native of China. These are in- sects of very remark- able form, having an extraordinary proj ection upon the head ; and this is the part said to be luminous. The au- thority for the assertion, 1 • 1 1 j-i? 1 Fig. 175. —FULGORA LANTERNARIA. however, is doubtiul; and many Entomologists who have captured the insect, have denied the phosphorescent power imputed to it. But it is not impossible that the female only may possess it, and that it may only be manifested at one part of the year. One of the common English species of Centi'pede, which is found in dark, damp places, beneath stones, &c., is slightly luminous; and the common Earthivorm is also said to be so at the breeding- season. 401. Of the particular objects of this provision in the Animal economy, little is known, and much has been con- jectured. It is not requisite to suppose that its purposes are always the same; the circumstances of the different tribes which possess it being so different. The usual idea of its use in Insects,—that it enables the sexes of the nocturnal species to seek each other for the perpetuation of the race,—is pro- bably the correct one. The light is more brilliant at the season of the exercise of the reproductive functions, than at any other; and is then exhibited by animals which do not manifest it at any other period. Moreover, it is well known that the male Glow-worm,—which ranges the air, whilst the female, being destitute of wings, is confined to the earth,—is attracted by any luminous object; as are also the Fire-flies, which may be most easily captured by carrying a torch or lantern into the open air: so that the poetical language in which thi
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