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Comment by Marklar on October 4, 2010 at 11:35pm

All About Glow Worm

Summary: Not to be confused with glow worm beetles, the glow worm has the amazing ability to produce light naturally and they can only be found in Austrailia and New Zealand. The process that the glow worm uses to produce light is called bioluminescence. ...


Not to be confused with glow worm beetles, the glow worm has the amazing ability to produce light naturally and they can only be found in Austrailia and New Zealand. The process that the glow worm uses to produce light is called bioluminescence. During this biochemical reaction several components work together to emit light. These components include: adenosine triphosphate or ATP (an energy molecule), luciferin (a waste product), luciferase (an enzyme) and pure oxygen. Some bacteria, fungi, and marine animals also have the ability to produce light as a protective device, a mating call or to catch prey. In some deep-sea forms, luminous organs may also serve as lanterns.

While the thought of a glow worm may include images of fluorescent green inch-worms, a glow worm isn’t a glow worm at all but rather the larva of a gnat. In simple terms, it is a “luminous larva.” These luminous larvae are typically found in large numbers in dark caves and under rocky overhangs throughout Australia and New Zealand. Many of Australia’s caves and overhangs are major tourist attractions that currently earn more than $6 million dollars yearly by attracting thousands of visitors per night.

One of the most popular glow worm attractions for glow worm fans and curious types alike is Australia’s Natural Bridge Colony. Located in Springbrook National Park , Natural Bridge Colony is home to the largest colony of glow worms in the world. On any given day (at sunset), hundreds of tourists can be seen exploring the overhangs and crevices filled with literally millions of glow worms. Although the surrounding area is quite dark during this time, it appears as if the sun is shining from the overhangs and crevices of the area.

While the darkest and most sheltered areas such as caves and overhangs are the most popular places to find glow worms, they can also be found in wet soil, in trees, beside walking tracks, along creek embankments, and on woodland rides and heathland.

The glow worm uses its natural light, which emits from the abdomen, to attract prey such as Phorids (hunchback flies), Chironomids (midges), Psychodids (small black flies) and small snails. The glow worm creates a silk web (called a “snare”) made of mucus and long “fishing lines,” also made of mucus, to catch and immobilize prey. The fishing lines can reach up to nearly 1 ½” feet in length. Once the glow worms’ prey has been caught in the line or web, the glow worm feels the vibration of the catch and begins pulling it up using its mouth. The glow worm eats its prey whole or by feeding off of the insects’ juices. When the glow worm has had its fill, it doesn’t emit light until it works up an appetite again. The hungrier the glow worm is, the brighter the light will be.

In addition to cathcing prey, the female glow worm also uses its light to attract the male glow worm. Once the female glow worm mates, she may eventually lay more than 120 eggs. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae begin to glow almost immediately