Glowworms are fascinating creatures known for their unique bioluminescent abilities. Belonging to the beetle families Phengodidae and Lampyridae, these insects emit a soft glow that has captured the attention and curiosity of people all over the world. Found across various continents, they have diverse habits and ways of life.
Generally, glowworms can be found in dark, damp habitats like caves, forests, and under logs. The bioluminescent glow is primarily used to attract prey and mates. For example, in the Arachnocampa genus, the glowworms use their light to lure small insects towards their sticky fishing lines. On the other hand, in the Lampyridae family, also known as fireflies or lightning bugs, the glow serves as a mating signal between males and females.
But what exactly makes glowworms glow? The secret lies in a chemical reaction within their bodies called bioluminescence. This involves an enzyme called luciferase that reacts with a compound named luciferin to produce light without generating heat. This unique ability not only makes glowworms an object of wonder but also an inspiration for scientific research in areas like medical imaging.
In summary, this article serves as your go-to guide for all things glowworm-related.
What Are Glowworms
Meaning and Bioluminescence
Glowworms, also known as glow worms, are bioluminescent creatures that produce light through a chemical reaction in their bodies. Some glowworms refer to fly larvae, like the ones found in the Waitomo Cave in New Zealand, while others belong to the beetle families Phengodidae and Lampyridae12. This trait of glowing helps them in various aspects of their lives.
Examples of Glowworms
- Waitomo Cave glowworms (fly larvae)
- Phengodidae and Lampyridae beetles3
Characteristics of Bioluminescence in Glowworms
- Continuous greenish-yellow glow
- Visible in larval, female adult, egg, and pupal stages4
Prey and Survival
Glowworms rely on their bioluminescence to attract prey and ensure their survival. For example, the Waitomo Cave glowworms use their glowing to lure insects, which get trapped in their mucous threads and are eventually consumed5. The glowworm’s large and functional eyes enable them to detect prey over a wide range of wavelengths, from UV to green6.
Prey Detection Methods
- Mechano-reception
- Chemo-reception7
| Glowworms | Bioluminescence | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Waitomo Cave Glowworms | Attracts insects to mucous threads | Trapping and consuming prey |
| Phengodidae & Lampyridae | Greenish-yellow glow in various life stages | Attracting prey, reproduction |
Glowworms and their bioluminescence thus play a crucial role in their unique survival tactics and fascinating life cycles.
Famous Glowworm Locations
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Located in New Zealand, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves are one of the most famous glowworm habitats. These caves are:
- Situated near Auckland
- Open for public viewing
The Waitomo caves are home to Arachnocampa luminosa glowworms, which are unique to New Zealand. These glowworms:
- Are born as larvae in nests of about 100 per birth
- Grow up to the size of a mosquito
- Produce bioluminescence through a chemical reaction involving an enzyme called Luciferin
Visitors can enjoy guided tours through the caves to witness the fascinating glowworm displays.
Te Anau Glowworm Caves
Another popular glowworm location is the Te Anau Glowworm Caves. These caves are:
- Located near Lake Te Anau
- Easily accessible through guided tours
Similar to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, the Te Anau caves are also inhabited by Arachnocampa luminosa glowworms. In addition to their spectacular glowworm displays, the Te Anau Glowworm Caves also offer:
- Stunning limestone formations
- Beautiful underground waterfalls
Here is a comparison table of the two famous glowworm locations:
| Feature | Waitomo Glowworm Caves | Te Anau Glowworm Caves |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Near Auckland, New Zealand | Near Lake Te Anau, New Zealand |
| Glowworm Species | Arachnocampa luminosa | Arachnocampa luminosa |
| Accessibility | Guided tours | Guided tours |
| Attraction Highlights | Glowworm displays | Glowworm displays, limestone formations, underground waterfalls |
Visiting either the Waitomo or Te Anau Glowworm caves offers an unforgettable experience of witnessing one of nature’s most mesmerizing light shows.
Formation and Features of Glowworm Caves
Stalactites and Stalagmites
Glowworm caves are known for their unique formations, including the iconic stalactites and stalagmites. These cave features form as water with dissolved minerals drip from the ceiling (stalactites) and build up on the ground (stalagmites). Some examples of cave formations include:
- Stalactites: Hang from the ceiling, resembling icicles
- Stalagmites: Grow upwards from the ground, appearing as conical structures
Formation Process
The process of forming a glowworm cave starts when rainwater, combined with carbon dioxide, creates a weak acid. This acidic water seeps into the limestone bedrock below and dissolves the rock, gradually creating the cave. With time, the cave becomes a favorable environment for glowworms to inhabit.
Water Flows and Unique Cave Environment
Water flow plays an essential role in glowworm caves, providing a consistent environment for the glowworms to thrive. The constant movement of water helps maintain the cave’s temperature and humidity, allowing the glowworms to efficiently feed on small insects carried by water currents.
Visiting Glowworm Caves
Tour Options and Experiences
- Black water rafting: An adventurous experience that combines cave exploration with rafting in underground rivers, lit by glowworms.
- Small boat tours: An easy and relaxing way to explore the glowworm caves and enjoy the sight of the bioluminescent worms hanging from the ceiling.
- Guided walking tours: Led by knowledgeable guides, these tours may include stairs and ladders for a close-up view of the worms and the cave formations.
Note: Most tours are family-friendly and safe for children.
Best Time of Year and Attractions
- April to October: An ideal time to visit the caves since the glowworms are more abundant during these months.
- Waitomo Glowworm Cave: A must-visit attraction in New Zealand, located near the Waitomo Caves village, around 202 km south of Auckland.
Comparison Table:
| Sydney | Waitomo Glowworm Cave |
|---|---|
| Location: | New Zealand |
| Opening Hours: | Daily, except for Christmas Day |
Guides and Safety Precautions
- Guides: Knowledgeable, friendly, and safety-conscious guides will help you make the most of your visit.
- Safety: Wear appropriate clothing (layers and waterproof gear), follow the guides’ instructions, and stay on the designated paths.
Remember to always respect the sensitive cave environment.
Capturing the Beauty
Glowworms provide a unique and mesmerizing sight, which many photographers are eager to capture. This section will guide you through some tips and tricks for photographing these fascinating creatures, as well as notable photos that have captured their beauty.
Photography Tips and Tricks
- Camera settings: To photograph the bioluminescence of glowworms, use a camera with manual settings. Set a long exposure time (15-30 seconds), a high ISO (800-3200), and a wide aperture (f/2.8-f/5.6).
- Tripod: Use a sturdy tripod to eliminate camera shake during long exposures.
- Lighting: Refrain from using flash or external lighting, as it can disrupt the glowworms’ natural behavior.
- Location: Look for glowworm habitats, like caves or forests, and visit during a new moon or overcast night for optimal darkness and visibility.
- Patience: Capturing glowworms may require time and multiple shots to achieve the desired effects. Adjusting camera settings and experimenting with angles can improve your results.
Notable Photos
- Glowworm Cathedral, Waitomo Caves: An iconic photo showcasing the enchanting display of glowworms in New Zealand’s famous Waitomo Caves.
- Glowworm Constellation, Huhu Cave:: This striking image captures the surreal, starry-sky effect created by glowworms in Huhu Cave, New Zealand.
With these tips and inspiration, you’ll be well-equipped to capture the magic of glowworms in your photography efforts.
Visitor Reviews and Experiences
Unique and Memorable Encounters
Glowworms offer a truly magical experience for visitors. People are often captivated by the serene beauty of the bioluminescent creatures, especially when visiting renowned locations like Waitomo Glowworm Caves in New Zealand. One visitor described the atmosphere as feeling like being in a “glittering, star-lit universe,” while another shared that the fascinating glowing displays left them in awe.
Examples of unique experiences:
- Witnessing a “living constellation” of glowworms in a dark cave
- Watching the glowworms light up surrounding plants and trees during a nighttime walk on the beach
Disappointing Experiences
Although many have unforgettable experiences with glowworms, some visitors express disappointment. Reasons for negative reviews typically stem from unmet expectations or environmental conditions affecting the viewing experience. For instance, some people might not find the glowworms’ light as bright or as numerous as they envisioned. Additionally, weather conditions, such as heavy rainfall or strong winds, may result in fewer glowworms being visible.
Comparison table of unique and disappointing experiences:
| Unique Experiences | Disappointing Experiences |
|---|---|
| Awe-inspiring bioluminescent | Dim or less extensive lighting |
| Displays feeling like a star-lit | Dependence on weather conditions |
| universe | Unmet expectations |
Remember, even if some people have disappointing encounters, the majority of visitors come away with fond memories and a renewed appreciation for the wonders of nature.
History and Significance
Glowworms have intrigued humans for centuries. They hold a unique place in various cultures and folklore due to their bioluminescent properties. Their bioluminescence serves multiple purposes, including attracting prey and signaling potential mates.
One notable species of glowworms is the Phengodes, found in North and Central America. In some cases, a single Phengodes female can lay up to 53 eggs. Glowworm larvae are cylindrical with short legs, and their length varies from 15 to 65mm.
The fascinating phenomenon of glowing creatures has captured attention in literature, art, and music. The significance of glowworms and fireflies in Western culture was explored in a research paper, which highlights their symbolic role as symbols of light and hope.
Glowworm characteristics:
- Bioluminescent
- Larvae are vermiform
- Cylindrical body with short legs
- Antennae are three-segmented
- Size ranges from 15 to 65mm
Despite their fascinating nature, glowworms should be observed with caution. Protecting their habitats and allowing them to thrive in natural ecosystems is essential for maintaining a healthy balance in the environment.
Footnotes
- https://latzlab.ucsd.edu/bioluminescence/bioluminescence-questions-and-answers/ ↩
- https://arthropod.uark.edu/glow-worm/ ↩
- https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/misc/beetles/glow-worms.htm ↩
- https://extension.msstate.edu/newsletters/bug%E2%80%99s-eye-view/2022/railroad-worm-vol-8-no-11 ↩
- https://latzlab.ucsd.edu/bioluminescence/bioluminescence-questions-and-answers/ ↩
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17285566/ ↩
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17285566/ ↩
Reader Emails
Over the years, our website, whatsthatbug.com has received hundreds of letters and some interesting images asking us about these insects. Scroll down to have a look at some of them.
Letter 1 – Pink Glowworms in Southern California
Glow Worms!
I was walking through my front yard in the Santa Monica Mountains in Southern California last night and wondered why there was a glowing LED on the ground. Upon closer inspection I found two glow worms. One blinked out right away upon being disturbed, but the other kept right on glowing. I’ve lived in California for 33 years and have never seen any bioluminescence. This was an exciting first. Just thought I would share my find. All the best,
Sean
93 Comments. Leave new
I have found about 10 in my yard over the last few weeks my father in law has lived in this area his entire 56 years and has never seen one im am curious as to what they are
So is this bug supposed to only be in California? because i live in Michigan, and this creepy crawler was just crawling on my foot..just trying to learn some info on this little bug..
This particular species of Glowworm is from the western parts of North America, but other species in the family Phengodidae are found in other locations. As you can see from this data map on BugGuide, there are Glowworm sightings from Michigan.
Today is June 27th, 2013 and when I went outside to see if there were any glow worms as I have had a few in my garden in years past, I was surprised to see 22 of them in our mulch pile, lawn and under our pine trees. I never saw this many before. It was really cool to see so many.
We have found one in our yard. It seams more light Pale tan. It was in the same spot 3days running. Any info. Would be appreciated.
They feed on millipedes. More information is available in our archives and at BugGuide, see: http://bugguide.net/node/view/9382 .
That is a female Phengodidae. The beetle family Phengodidae is known also as glowworm beetles and their larvae are known generally as glowworms. The females and larvae have bioluminescent organs. They occur throughout the New World from extreme southern Canada to Chile. They are uncommon.
From the University of Florida Website;
“The family Phengodidae are uncommonly encountered beetles that have bioluminescent females that appear to be larvaiform (or larger versions of the immature stage.) These adult females are able to produce light from paired photic organs located on each body segment (one glowing spot on each side) and sometimes also from luminous bands that extend across the dorsal surface of the body between each body segment. Females appear to be more commonly encountered than larvae. Because these glowing spots along the females body resemble the windows of train cars internally illuminated in the night, they are often referred to as “railroad-worms.”
Males of these species are not larviform, but instead resemble other beetles, though their first pair of wings (elytra) are less then half as long as their hind wings and the males of most species have very elaborate, feather-like antennae. These fancy antennae are used to detect and follow pheromones produced by the female. ”
This beetle family (as defined by Lawrence et al. 1999) is restricted to the New World (from the northern U.S. to Chile) with its highest diversity in the neotropics.
Thank you so much for clearing up this very old posting. We have learned quite a bit since it was posted nine years ago, and we would have gotten the identification correct today, but it seems with all the new mail, we do not have much time to clean up our archives. Thanks again.
That is a female Phengodidae. The beetle family Phengodidae is known also as glowworm beetles and their larvae are known generally as glowworms. The females and larvae have bioluminescent organs. They occur throughout the New World from extreme southern Canada to Chile. They are uncommon.
From the University of Florida Website;
“The family Phengodidae are uncommonly encountered beetles that have bioluminescent females that appear to be larvaiform (or larger versions of the immature stage.) These adult females are able to produce light from paired photic organs located on each body segment (one glowing spot on each side) and sometimes also from luminous bands that extend across the dorsal surface of the body between each body segment. Females appear to be more commonly encountered than larvae. Because these glowing spots along the females body resemble the windows of train cars internally illuminated in the night, they are often referred to as “railroad-worms.”
Males of these species are not larviform, but instead resemble other beetles, though their first pair of wings (elytra) are less then half as long as their hind wings and the males of most species have very elaborate, feather-like antennae. These fancy antennae are used to detect and follow pheromones produced by the female. ”
This beetle family (as defined by Lawrence et al. 1999) is restricted to the New World (from the northern U.S. to Chile) with its highest diversity in the neotropics.
To say something is a Phengodidae is a very general classification. I would like to know the actual name of the beetle that this all yellow larvae represents. I found one last night while walking my dog. It was amazing to see. The entire outline of its body glows and there are tiny glowing spots within the outline. It is not a railroad worm, unless the only the males are black and orange, and the females are all yellow. Does anyone know? The worm I found on 8/11/13 definitely looked like the picture here and was all yellow. I live near Pittsboro, NC – which is about 3 hours due east of the original posting for this larvae.
I have seen these , or something quite similar near my home in Guerneville (northern) CA.
Thanks for letting us know about your sighting. We would love photos if you have a chance.
we saw one like this at Shinleaf Campground this past week end, I first noticed it when i tripped on a rock and it popped out of its hole, that evening i walked past the spot and saw it glowing. The kids and i were simply stunned, they of course wanted to keep it but we insisted it be returned. It is simply beautiful
Thanks to your comment, we have updated this more than ten year old posting with the correct identification of a Glowworm.
We found a glowing little larva like this on our porch tonight. Although it has no black marks on it at all other than its head being dark it’s all just a creamy white color. We will work on some good photos and hit you up tomorrow! Let me know if this could still be the same glowworm with that variation in color please! Thanks!
We cannot think of a better possibility than a glowworm or firefly larva.
i have found the same caterpiller in my office. looks to be the exactly the same. What is it a ‘Moth Caterpillar’? I am located in Long Beach CA
That is definitely and Iris Borer or your typical brown moth
What purpose do the plumose antennae of the male glowworm beetle serve? They’re intricate and large for such a sensitive body part, so I really wondered.
Antennae are sensory organs, and while we have not read anything particular to Glowworms, we do know that male moths often have more developed antennae which enable them to sense the pheromones released by females ready to mate. We imagine the same may be true of Glowworms since the males can fly and the females cannot.
My son and I saw what we thought were two small, but very bright, green LED’s in the leaves next to our driveway in Pilot Hill, CA, El Dorado county. I don’t have a photo to upload, but they’re definitely the pink glow worms that I saw on this site. I’m unclear on what they actually are. Are they indeed wingless female fireflys, or firefly larvae? I’ve never seen fireflys in California. In fact, I didn’t even know they existed here. Can you please tell me exactly what they are, and what they will develop into? I’m sure that looking for these glow worms will be a regualr pasttime in the spring and summer evenings this year.
Both Glowworms in the family Phengodidae and the California Glowworm, which is actually a Firefly in the family Lampyridae, are found in California, however you will not be witnessing the type of nocturnal display that Fireflies or Lightning Bugs provide in more humid environments in the eastern portions of North America.
Just spotted the ‘pink gloworm’ 4-18-15 outside our home west of the Barona casino. I have seen similar glowing larvae like bugs that were a darker color in the mid 1980’s when I lived in Descanso Ca.
Can’t say i’ve ever seen a glowing version of either in flight.
Just spotted the ‘pink gloworm’ 4-18-15 outside our home west of the Barona casino. I have seen similar glowing larvae like bugs that were a darker color in the mid 1980’s when I lived in Descanso Ca.
Can’t say i’ve ever seen a glowing version of either in flight.
Just saw a pink glow worm (I think) in Laguna Niguel, Orange County California. Didn’t know those existed. Took a few pictures but not sure how to upload. Neat bug. She glowed even when disturbed but seemed pretty lethargic.
You may submit your images using the Ask What’s That Bug? link on our site and please use the subject line “Pink Glowworm”.
We saw three pink glow worms in several locations along side of the trail during an evening hike in Eaton Canyon Nature Center in Pasadena last night (6/5/15). Very exciting! I have lived and hiked here all my life and had never before noticed these little guys (well, girls I guess)
Thanks for relaying that information.
Just saw a pink glow worm while camped out at the top of a mountain in the Trinity National Forest in Northern CA which led me to your website. As described by others it looked like an L.E.D. bulb in some pine needles. They’re up here too!
Last night I saw what looked like a tiny LED among some leaves. It turned out to be a pinkish worm or larvae about 3/8 of an inch long and very much like the one shown in the photo on this web page. In my 67 years I have never seen one of these and neither has my wife. We live in Mendocino County and thought we had seen just about everything that there is to see here.
I just saw a tiny gloworm!It looked orange more than pink. One end was glowing pretty brightly. This was in Escondido, California-the northern part of San Diego. County. I have lived kn California 50 years and never have heard nor seen this.
There is what I believe to be an entire colony of glow worms in the trees at the end of my street in Lake Forest, California. They are beautiful, and they make it look like a faded Christmas tree! I have never seen these, and I’m happy to have found your website to identify these glowing creatures.
I am in the Central Valley in Manteca. Last evening we were treated to a magnificent display of easily 100 or more glow worms on my backyard trees. Most were glowing a bright neon green. But some were a lovely ruby red. They had a strong, bright, steady glow for hours. They did not move about, they all stayed where they were. Amazingly, they were only on my trees and not on any of the neighbors’.
I went back out to check on them about 10pm and a couple of them were blinking then went out a bit, but then came back. They were still there this morning.
This is the first time I have seen anything like this. It was like having hung festive led lights in the trees -all decorated up for the Holidays!
Had it not been so cold, I could of stayed and just stared at them for hours. What an unbelievable sight! So beautiful.
I am in the Central Valley in Manteca. Last evening we were treated to a magnificent display of easily 100 or more glow worms on my backyard trees. Most were glowing a bright neon green. But some were a lovely ruby red. They had a strong, bright, steady glow for hours. They did not move about, they all stayed where they were. Amazingly, they were only on my trees and not on any of the neighbors’.
I went back out to check on them about 10pm and a couple of them were blinking then went out a bit, but then came back. They were still there this morning.
This is the first time I have seen anything like this. It was like having hung festive led lights in the trees -all decorated up for the Holidays!
Had it not been so cold, I could of stayed and just stared at them for hours. What an unbelievable sight! So beautiful.
Experienced the same thing last night in Virginia Beach, VA. Dozens of them, mostly green, but some red. No controlled substances involved.
Whoa, we thought there were aliens in our trees! We are in the mountains of southern California–the pine trees look like there are stars in them. But, only in our yard! Guess we have this infestation.
I have been observing glow worms in Ojai CA for the past twelve years. They are always along the same block-long stretch of road and always adjacent to the road in leaf litter or rock crevices. Saw ten last night 5-2-16. They seem to wait until 8:30pm to turn on their lights. Good hunting. I can’t help but smile when I see them.
My husband called me outside to see what he thought was a broken florescent bulb. We put the light from a flashlight on the area and saw small (5/8 inch approx.) pinkish worms with glowing heads! Amazing! We are 65 years old and this is the first we have seen glow worms. I didn’t know if California had glow worms so I found this site. We are in Penn Valley, about 50 miles north of Sacramento. There were only 3 of them…pretty exciting find!
Have been observing glowworms for past month. Usually see 8-10 per night in same general location. We have made a glow worm perserve to protect them from mowing and weed whips.
The female is flightless and it is the only sex that glows. You will find females crawling on debris, rocks etc. in moist environments were the males can be had by Blacklights at nite . Cheers ! Gene St. Denis Sierra Nevada Research
Thanks for that correction Gene. I will remove the part about the glowing larvae.
Just saw a bunch in two trees here in Ontario, very creepy.
I just found this thread after seeing the same thing in my white oak tree in mobile Alabama! About 2 dozen green and one red.
Wow, so glad to find this site! We live in Columbia , MS, and this is December 21, 2016. For the last week, after a warm wet spell, we noticed our sweet gum tree sparkling abundantly at night as if there were twinkle lights in it! It has been a week now and every night it’s a light show! I have been searching and searching as to what this might be and finally stumbled upon a description of a glow worm or railroad worm…..it’s beautiful and a gift from nature!
I saw the same thing last night. Are they glow worms? Or beetles?
We have Gloworms as well! We are in Longwood, FL (in the Orlando metro area). We noticed them one morning and thought they were weirdly placed Christmas lights as they spanned across our trees in the backyard, over to our two of our other neighbors. But they are a faint, green color. Some brighter than others. Even when we put a flashlight on them, they stayed glowing. Strangest thing!!
We were able to solve this issue, at least for us. When we noticed that e “bugs” this year we had been fortunate to see a similar phenomenon at a friend’s house. Theirs were caused by their newly installed Christmas laser lights. The light from the device spilled over from the front of the house onto the trees behind their home. Do, when we saw lights in our trees, I hopped in the car and took a ride around the neighborhood and found my neighbor behind me had installed similar devices achieving the same effect.
I have a couple of great photos of a glow worm. You interested?
You may send images using the Ask What’s That Bug? link on our site.
I recently found a caterpillar similar. After an hour of frantic, paranoid googling, I determined it could be a palm flower caterpillar. They are found in AZ, CA, and possibly NV.
I just found one in NW IN.
My husband, daughter, and I are camping at hickory run state park in carbon county Pennsylvania and last night we witnessed the green glowing light show on the leaves of two trees on one side of the camper. We could see some type of worm, caterpillar, larvae like bugs (we couldn’t tell which) on the top side of the leaves almost strobing the green lights. It’s absolutely an amazing sight to ever witness. We both are born and raised in northeast pa, huge outdoors type people, And neither of us have ever seen such an amazing sight.
Anyone know what these bugs are? My husband and I would love to find out about these bugs.
My husband, daughter, and I are camping at hickory run state park in carbon county Pennsylvania and last night we witnessed the green glowing light show on the leaves of two trees on one side of the camper. We could see some type of worm, caterpillar, larvae like bugs (we couldn’t tell which) on the top side of the leaves almost strobing the green lights. It’s absolutely an amazing sight to ever witness. We both are born and raised in northeast pa, huge outdoors type people, And neither of us have ever seen such an amazing sight.
Anyone know what these bugs are? My husband and I would love to find out about these bugs.
SE Wisconsin here… Mt. Pleasant… just found 2 under my pine and pear trees – too cool!!!
I found one tonight I Connecticut
I found those deep in my mulch pile of very decomposed wood chips – not far from Pittsboro, NC. I live in the country too. I don’t think they eat grass. Maybe look up what grubs eat? He would probably like moist old wood mulch…
We have these too in Escondido, CA right now (Jan 19, 2018)! I have never seen such an amazing sight and we have lived in this house for 9 years. It must be rare because noone else I’ve shown has ever seen them before. They are mostly green and a few red ones.
Also in Mt. Pleasant WI , found one last night in garden.
We found one of these in our house tonight!
Oh, sorry, meant to mention we are in southern California, in Meiners Oaks 🙂 My wife and have never seen any bioluminescent bugs out here before
Found one tonight while getting ready for work at 2 AM, crazy bright little lady! Hope we wind up with more of these around, they’re really something.
Awesome. What is your location?
Thank you so much for your quick response!! Our railroad worm was not found IN the creek but near the creek where we were playing. We let him go so as not to harm him but I’ll definitively keep my eyes open for another siting and take a picture at night! So exciting!! Thank you again. 🙂
I found one one just like this in my back yard a few days ago. I had no idea what it was, and the internet search that followed is what led me here. I wanted to keep it until dark but anytime it was put into any type of container it acted as though it was dying. Not wanting to harm it (as it was the first and only time I’ve seen such a worm) I decided to place it back in the same spot It was found. It crawled away and I have not seen it since. Interesting find though!! Found in South-Eastern KY
Hi…So, are glowworms the larva of fireflies? If so, then how can glowworms be present on the West coast when we don’t have fireflies? Or do we and they are very secretive?
We could spend hours answering your questions, but alas, we don’t have that much time. In a nutshell, a Glowworm is the larva of a Beetle in the family Phengodidae, and Fireflies are in the family Lampyridae. There are West Coast Fireflies in the family Lampyridae, but they do not have the same bioluminescent abilities that are so legendary in East Coast Fireflies, often called Lightning Bugs in some regions.
Ahhh….OK, I understand. You picked a good nutshell!
Love your website!!
Roni
Ahhh….OK, I understand. You picked a good nutshell!
Love your website!!
Roni
I found about 12 pinkish caterpillars that have greenish lights on one end when I pick it up it didn’t glow. So when I went to put it back I found that they only glow on one side. SO be careful when you walk. Dose anyone know why they are only in one spot in front of my barn? I looked all around and couldn’t find any. I live in Calaveras county
Ok… this freaks me out because the same thing that happened to the daughter also happened to me. The question of where it came from looks to be unanswered and I cannot find any other information online about caterpillars living in toilets
Found on in North ga.
Found a couple of these in my pool
The top of the page says Pink Glow Work instead of worm.
Thanks. Our editorial staff works diligently to ensure accuracy in our spelling and grammar as well as the content of our responses, but we do not correct grammatical errors or spelling errors in the written submissions we receive. If our querents do not care enough about running spell check and grammar check on their questions, we respect that prerogative.
I’m glad I stumbled across this site, because my mom and I were so confused by seeing the mostly green lights with some red going back and forth and up and down one of her huge trees in the backyard.
We kept wondering if it was the reflection of the neighbors Christmas lights, the lights are everywhere in the tree and there’s an elevation difference – along with privacy fence and shed blocking the way. It’s been so cold, so I didn’t think it was any type of bug. I took photos and video, but I can’t attach anything.
I’m glad I stumbled across this site, because my mom and I were so confused by seeing the mostly green lights with some red going back and forth and up and down one of her huge trees in the backyard.
We kept wondering if it was the reflection of the neighbors Christmas lights, the lights are everywhere in the tree and there’s an elevation difference – along with privacy fence and shed blocking the way. It’s been so cold, so I didn’t think it was any type of bug. I took photos and video, but I can’t attach anything.
Hi,
Glad we found this thread. I have found the same green things in our trees tonight. My Son also looked (just to make sure it wasn’t my eyes after a red wine!!) and he confirmed I am definitely not seeing things. There aren’t any Christmas lights or reflections going onto the trees, they are in a dark area of the garden. The trees are a mix of pine and another tree. We are in a seaside town of southern England. Any knowledge would be appreciated, thank you.
Hi,
Glad we found this thread. I have found the same green things in our trees tonight. My Son also looked (just to make sure it wasn’t my eyes after a red wine!!) and he confirmed I am definitely not seeing things. There aren’t any Christmas lights or reflections going onto the trees, they are in a dark area of the garden. The trees are a mix of pine and another tree. We are in a seaside town of southern England. Any knowledge would be appreciated, thank you.
Two pink gloworms here in Lompoc CA. 05/12/2020. Never have I seen these in 56 years in CA.
I just found one of these in my yard in the Santa Cruz mountains, in Cupertino CA. Didn’t know lightning bugs were even in the state, let alone in the Bay Area.
Thank you for sharing information on the pink gloworm. Just like several others, I’ve lived in my area for decades and had never noticed them until tonight. Found them near Santa Margarita in San Luis Obispo county.
Found a bug I have never seen before kind of pink little more then 1/4 inch. It was in my box of worms it was glowing like a lightning bug never saw one before in my life. In Maine might no have seen then if it had not been dark in the barn when I was getting worms to go fishing in the morning
Pacific Palisades, California, coastal Los Angeles, saw several after dusk in early June in the Temescal Canyon Park area. What a discovery! Never knew of these before. So fascinating.
Last day of May saw three on an exposed rock in Griffith park. It is the second time I have seen them in the park. I saw one lone one a few years back.
The “fire beetle” is a cucubano. They (pyrophorus beetles) can sometimes glow from underside as well as those “eye” spots.
Cucullos (proper spelling) are just like fireflies of the north American mainland, and they are also abundant in rural area of Puerto Rico.
The “fire beetle” is a cucubano. They (pyrophorus beetles) can sometimes glow from underside as well as those “eye” spots.
Cucullos (proper spelling) are just like fireflies of the north American mainland, and they are also abundant in rural area of Puerto Rico.
Neighbor just cut some grass last night found it crawling in to my house located just outside downtown los angles looks pretty darn close to it
Found one in Gainesville, FL
Just found this guy on my geraniums in Chatsworth, California (Los Angeles County) I posted a pic of the little guy and associated it with a post from Southern Oregon where it was found on petunias 18 years ago (I hadn’t seen this more recent and geographically relevant posting yet). The toilet story sure is frightening, glad I didn’t find it in mine!
Hi – well, we are in Australia and are having the same experience in a large eucalyptus tree that our bedroom looks out on. Suddenly there are tiny green flashing fairy lights all through the tree, with the odd red one. This tree is enormous – more than 100 feet tall – and is full of these little lights, for the last two nights. They look similar to glow worms that we have in our caves and tunnels in other areas – not like fireflies as they never leave the branches.
Laura, I live just outside of Payson, AZ (been here for 30+ years) & just seen one of these outside tonight. It’s light was sooooo bright, that I had to go get a headlamp & see exactly what was emitting such a bright little light, without reflecting any ambient light . .It looked just like your picture, but had a light pink hue to the body. But boy, it definitely shined it’s little light!! Incredible