Rensselaer Republican, Volume 27, Number 40, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 June 1896 — Freak Reptile. [ARTICLE]

Freak Reptile.

One of the most Interesting creations of nature is the luminous centipede, a curious combination of lizard, snake, and natural electric light plant. It Is about one and one-fourth inebea long, Its body Is very narrow and appears to be in sections. In consequence of this peculiar formation the creature appears to move sideways except when frightened. Then the natural electric light plant feature appears, and with an almost Instantaneous wave-like motion, beginning at the tail, the color of the reptile change* from orange to a greenish phosphorescent shade. Then, sparkling like a tiny streak of green light, the creature darts away to a place of refuge. When one of the pair la in search of Its mate the color grows a bright yellow, but at will the centipede can resume Its darker color, and then. If lying close to the grain of a piece of wood. Is hardly noticeable.--8t Louis Post-Dispatch.