Glowworms or Arachnacampa Luminosa are not really worms at all. They are the larvae of a carnivorous fungus gnat. They are small – about the size of a matchstick. Being bioluminescent they both produce and emit light. The bioluminescence is created through the reaction of an enzyme called luciferase. Produced by an organ near the tail of the glowworm the blueish green, glowing light is surrounded by a sac which provides oxygen. The oxygen helps to concentrate the reflection of the light, tempting prey to fly towards it.
Small flies and insects such as midges, moths, and mayflies flying towards the light are captured in a long sticky network of threads which the glowworms spin. The network of silk threads hangs vertically below. While insects are caught, adult glowworms are not attracted to the light. Even if they did get caught they are sufficiently strong to pull away.
Glowworms are usually found in caves or forests where the atmosphere is sheltered from strong winds yet damp enough for insects to be present. Walking through the bush at night you will sometimes see glowworms shining underneath mossy clay banks. Look closely and see the silken threads dangling below!
