Glow Worms
Glow worms are tiny creatures that generate their own light, a process known as bioluminescence. These amazing insects can be found in dark, damp places like caves, forests, or near streams. The "glow" comes from a chemical reaction in their bodies, creating a bluish-green light that helps them attract food and, in some cases, mates.
Glow worms are not actually worms—they are the larvae (baby form) of insects like flies or beetles. They use their light to lure tiny insects, which get stuck in sticky threads the glow worm spins, like a glowing spiderweb. After they’ve eaten enough and grown, glow worms turn into adult insects, but their glow is brightest during their larval stage.
Did you know?
A glow worm’s light is cold—it doesn’t produce heat at all.
They only glow when they’re babies; adults don’t need the light.
The glow worms at Newnes are of the Genus Arachnocampa of which there are five species, found only in New Zealand and Australia.
The brighter the glow, the hungrier the glow worm!