Preparing for your journey to New Zealand’s glow worms cavesĪ post shared by your trip, make sure to check on the region’s travel restrictions. Typically found in caves, grottos, overhangs, rock cavities, and sheltered wet areas, these species use their bioluminescence to trap prey by using their light to lure other insects into their webs. Drawn to this light with their large, photo-sensitive eyes, male glow worms find their potential mate in the thick vegetation.Īrachnocampa is a group of glow worms consisting of five species unique to New Zealand. They turn their light-producing organ, located at the end of their abdomen, upwards, making themselves visible to flying males. Why do glow worms glow? Image Nicole Geri via UnsplashĪt night, adult female glow worms get ready to attract their mate by climbing to a high point such as a plant’s stem. Though both male and female sexes may exhibit bioluminescence, female glow worms emit a stronger glow of yellow, green, or orange light to attract their mate. In fact, the wingless, larvae-like appearance of adult female glow worms gives these beetles its “worm” moniker. They are also of a smaller size than their female counterparts. Male glow worms look like beetles with their hand-winged case. These beetles emit a bioluminescent light to communicate with other beetles, attract mates, or lure prey into their web. Glow worms, despite their name, aren’t worms at all! Glow worms are, in fact, beetles belonging to the family Lampyridae, commonly known as fireflies or lightning bugs. What are glow worms? Image by Kristian Pikner via Wikimedia Commons ( CC BY-SA 4.0) We’ve put together a curated selection of where to spot these unique critters and insider tips for a front seat to Mother Nature’s spectacular light show. Find this magical spectacle in New Zealand, deep in its many caverns and grottos, discover a world of bioluminescent glow worms that glimmer in the darkness.įrom 300-million-year-old limestone caves to formidable canyon walls, glow worms can be found in many New Zealand natural wonders. No battery-operated fairy lights or hidden special effects, this magical scene is au naturel. Imagine stepping into a dark cavern adorned with thousands of glowing lights flickering from up above. Preparing for your journey to New Zealand’s glow worms caves.
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