It’s true. Most worms are not pleasing to the eye and most of us would not take a special trip just to observe a worm in action. This is not the case with Arachnocampa commonly called “glow worms.” These stunning creatures can only be found in Australia and New Zealand and they have the amazing ability to produce light naturally.

The process glow worms use 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 life forms, luminous organs may also serve as lanterns.

Another amazing fact about the glow worm is, it isn’t actually a worm. The glow worm is the larvae or “luminous larva” of a gnat. The luminous larvae are typically found in high 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 each year by attracting hundreds of visitors per night.

One of the most popular glow worm attractions for tourists 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. At sunset, on any given day, hundreds of tourists can be seen exploring the overhangs and crevices filled with 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 tha house the worms.

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.

Glow worms use their 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,” which is made of mucus and long strings that look like fishing lines. The strings are also made of mucus to help 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 digesting the insect’s juices. When the glow finishes dinner, it does not emit light again until it works up an appetite. The hungrier the glow worm is, the brighter the light will be.

Glow worms use their light to do more than just catch prey. The adult female glow worm also uses the 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.

Natural Bridge, Springbrook National Park
Phone: 13 0013 0372
Toll Free: 1300 130 372
Email: cs*@*********ov.au
Web: www.epa.qld.gov.au/projects/park/index.cgi?parkid=31

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