The scientific name of glowworms is Fungus gnats. Adults usually emerge during the winter. They live for up to 76 hours for females, but up to 96 hours in the case of males. Females often lay over 100 eggs, and eggs typically hatch after about 20 days.
The female (about 13mm long) is generally larger than the male (about 11mm long). They can only fly a couple of meters at a time, making a very faint buzzing sound, and showing their lights occasionally.
There are different kinds of glowworms. One is called the Arachnocampa Luminosa/New Zealand Worm. It is widespread in both the North and the South Island of New Zealand. However, populations generally occur in cave systems, and in the native bush where prey species are available, and humidity is high. Some sites have become popular destinations for tourists wanting to see the glowworms. These include the caves in Waitomo, Waipu, and Te Anau, and also in areas of native vegetation such as the Wellington Botanical Gardens. Glowworms contain a poison (called lucibufagin), which protects them from predators like toads, and the larva uses its light and its distinctive markings to warn the predators to leave it alone.
We went to Waitomo glowworm caves with a tour guide. She led us through a lot of stairs. She also told us to be quiet or else the glowworms will get scared, and it will stop glowing. Then we had a boat ride to the exit inside the caves.
FUN FACT: Glowworms are not worms. They are maggots.
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