SARA LEWIS, SILENT SPARKS — [B]irds, toads, and mice show classic aversion reactions to fireflies — they wipe off their snouts or beaks, gag, and run away. So... evidence suggests that... bioluminescence first evolved to help baby fireflies ward off predators... .
| A. | "Oedipus Rex" playwright | SOPHOCLES |
| B. | Pledge; lack of doubt, certitude | ASSURANCE |
| C. | Gaunt, having a lean physique | RAWBONED |
| D. | Hazardous waste from many a demolition site | ASBESTOS |
| E. | Candy invented in 1912 by the father of poet Hart Crane (2 wds.) | LIFESAVER |
| F. | Rite whose name is Greek for "thanksgiving" | EUCHARIST |
| G. | Winner of 26 Academy Awards (2 wds.) | WALTDISNEY |
| H. | Echidna, swallow or pitcher plant, e.g. | INSECTIVORE |
| I. | Taking place on a cruise | SHIPBOARD |
| J. | Find by carefully looking (2 wds.) | SEARCHOUT |
| K. | Recognize; regard oneself | IDENTIFY |
| L. | Like the abyssal and hadal zones of the ocean | LOWERMOST |
| M. | Producing results; as of the date | EFFECTIVE |
| N. | Cause for sleeplessness, often | NEWBORN |
| O. | B.C., Alley Oop or one of the Flintstones | TROGLODYTE |
| P. | Behind-the-scenes worker | STAGEHAND |
| Q. | Tenet shared by Tolstoy and Gandhi | PACIFISM |
| R. | Referred to in the past | AFORESAID |
| S. | Turn down; polish again? | REBUFF |
| T. | Attire needed for dealing with sensitive sorts? (2 wds.) | KIDGLOVES |
| U. | Theophilus Thistle's task in a famous tongue twister | SIFTING |