which are now properly excluded, as their forms and structure were too diversified to be compatible with the notion now formed of a generic group. The Fulgoræ, strictly so called, are such as present the following characters.
The antennæ have the second joint of a globular shape, and covered with pretty large granulations, the terminal seta inserted in the centre of a minute globose joint; ocelli two, placed a little before and under the eyes, between them and the antennæ; forehead more or less produced anteriorly; labrum terminating in an acute point; sucker composed of three joints, its extremity extending at least as far as the insertion of the posterior legs; hemelytra not so broad as the wings, the length greatly exceeding the breadth; legs elongated, adapted for leaping, the hinder thighs strongly spined; prothorax not so broad as the metathorax, and somewhat emarginate on its hinder margin.
Even in the acceptation to which the above definition restricts it, the genus comprehend a considerable amount of species. The greater number of them are insects of large size, and warm if not brilliant colours. The prolongation of the forehead, and the extraordinary forms it assumes, confers on them a peculiar aspect, at once distinguishing them from all other hemipterous tribes.
The larger kinds have long been said to be luminous, and this belief has been so general, that they have obtained the name of fire-flies, mouches à feu, and lantern-flies. But recent travellers agree in
