Glowworm or glow-worm is the common name for various groups of insect larvae and adult larviform females that glow through bioluminescence.

A new study reveals that unlike rainforest glowworms, these cave-dwelling larvae of fungus gnats synchronize their glowing patterns so the colony shines brightest during the day.

Mar 31, 2025 · These larvae of fungus gnats eat by creating a hammock of mucus and silk secreted from glands in their mouth, and then dropping down fishing lines with glistening droplets that capture insect prey summoned by their glow.

May 24, 2023 · Glow worms produce a series of strands which act as bioluminescent 'fishing lines', trapping unsuspecting insects. Once that happens, the glow worm will reel them in and suck out their juices....

Glow worms produce a series of strands which act as bioluminescent 'fishing lines', trapping unsuspecting insects. Once that happens, the glow worm will...

Mar 8, 2025 · New Zealand’s glowworm caves dazzle with an otherworldly glow, offering both a stunning sight and a fascinating scientific wonder. Arachnocampa luminosa in the cave. Image by Alan Rockefeller via Openverse.

Once they fly in close, they are caught in the worm’s hanging silk strands. Their signature glow is a rather fascinating process created by a chemical reaction. Luciferase reacts with a waste …

Formed by the larva of glow worms, the beads are droplets of glue extruded by the larva, held together by fine strands of silk. The larva glow at night attracting small insects toward the sticky strands of silk.

Mar 2, 2021 · Glow worms are smarter than you think. Even though an insect might get lured by their glow, there is still a high risk of the victim escaping. Well, they have a solution for that. They set up traps to seize their victims so that they don’t escape.

Glowworms build nests out of mucus and silk, with numerous sticky strands hanging down like a curtain. Flying insects become ensnared on these strands, and are quickly reeled in to provide a meal for the glowworm.