THE BIOLOGY OF THE SIERRA LUMINOUS MILLIPEDE, LUMINODESMUS SEQUOIAE, LOOMIS AND DAVENPORT

Abstract

1. The characteristics, distribution and habitat of the millipede, Luminodesmus sequoiae Loomis and Davenport are discussed. The life-history and the development of the male gonopods are described. 2. Luminescence is continuous, under no voluntary control, and first appears on hatching; its source apparently lies in the deeper layers of the integument. 3. Extracts of Luminodesmus glow briefly and go out. Experiments to elicit a light flash from such extracts with combinations of Photinus lanterns, magnesium ion and adenosine triphosphate, and to demonstrate classical "luciferin-luciferase" activity have been without success. The integument of Luminodesmus gives a brilliant yellow-green fluorescence in ultra-violet light. 4. Nitrogen atmospheres reversibly extinguish luminescence, carbon dioxide irreversibly so, while cyanide has little effect on luminescence until the lethal point is reached. Chemical and biological tests have indicated that Luminodesmus, like other millipedes, releases HCN.