The female glow -worm is equipped with one of the most marvellous lighting systems in the world,
This "lantern" has a transparent layer of skin , like the lens of a lamp. Behind this is an oily layer of tissues which produces the light by a chemical process, and a second layer which acts as a reflector.
In fact, the light is a sex-call, and the male has pedicure large eyes to enable him to see the signal . An abundant supply of water and oxygen is needed by the glow -worm to maintain the chemical activity producing the light. For a time, even the insect's eggs are luminous.
Glow-worms, which are about half an inch long. are natives of Europe . Other beetles with built_in lighting systems are called fireflies. Both male and female fireflies have wings and use lanterns to signal to each other and to warn off night birds who seem to find them unpalatable. The most famous are the large and brilliant cuckoos of tropical America. On special occasions young women fasten them to their dresses where they shine like glowing gems.
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