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Glow-worm

Glow-worm

Lampyris noctiluca

A species of Glowworms, Also known as Common glowworm

The glow-worm (Lampyris noctiluca) is a beetle rather than a worm. Males have wings while females don't, but females and larvae glow much brighter than adult males. Females display their glowing organs to attract flying males. Then, as soon as females lay their eggs, they pass away.

General Info About Glow-worm
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Attributes of Glow-worm
Colors
Brown
Black
Yellow
Habitat
grassland and edge; soil; hedgebank; heath; sheltered place
Adult Food Sources
Snails, slugs
Larva Food Source
Snails, slugs, soft-bodied insects, insect larvae, worms
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
The Glow-worm can induce toxic reactions varying in severity. Nevertheless, these toxins primarily target their prey and predators and are usually not fatal to humans.
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
The Glow-worm typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Species Status of Glow-worm
The range of this beetle stretches from Portugal and Britain in the west, right across Europe and Asia to China in the east. It also survives further north than any other firefly, almost reaching the Arctic Circle. It is not found in North America, South America, South Asia, Africa, Australia and Antarctica.
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Distribution Area of Glow-worm
Britain
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Appearance of Glow-worm
The males are winged, with brown elytra, a clearer pronotum and a large brown spot in the middle, while females are larviforme, wings are missing and they are often twice the size of the males (up to 2.5 cm in length). The eggs are pale yellow, 1 mm across. Larvae and adult females look similar, but larvae have bright spots on each of 12 segments, whereas adult females have a completely black back.
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How to Identify Glow-worm?

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Life Cycle of Glow-worm
Egg The eggs of glow-worm are deposited in a safe, often damp environment. They are tiny and may vary in color. The main purpose at this stage is to provide protection for the developing embryo until it can hatch into the larval stage.
Larva Larval glow-worm emerge from eggs resembling miniature versions of the adult but without wings. They are voracious eaters, focusing on growth. They molt several times, increasing in size and slightly altering in shape and color with each molt.
Pupal The pupa of glow-worm forms inside a protective cocoon. During this stage, the glow-worm undergoes significant transformation. Its size remains constant, but internally, the structure changes dramatically as it transitions to the adult form.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult glow-worm features fully developed wings and functional reproductive organs. The body has modified for flight and mating, and the exoskeleton has hardened. Adults are often bioluminescent, unlike earlier stages.
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Adult Size of Glow-worm
2.5 cm
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Predators of Glow-worm Larvae
Frogs, toads, birds, spiders
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Predators of Adult Glow-worm
Birds, bats, spiders, rodents
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Interesting Facts About Glow-worm
Glow-worm can produce a cold light from its lower abdomen to attract mates, a process that involves a chemical reaction with nearly 100% energy efficiency.
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Scientific Classification of Glow-worm
Class
Bugs
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Order
Beetles
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Family
Fireflies
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Tips for Finding Glow-worm
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Youth Habitat of Glow-worm
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas
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Adult Habitat of Glow-worm
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas
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How Can You Attract Glow-worm
There is generally no need for trap food when locating glow-worm, as they are more easily spotted by their bioluminescent glow during the night.
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Habitat Preferences of Glow-worm Through Different Life Stages
The egg stage of glow-worm usually occurs in moist soil or under a layer of decaying organic matter, where humidity is suitable for the larvae to emerge. Larvae of glow-worm, once hatched, are found in habitats such as woodlands, garden areas rich in snails and slugs, their main food source. During the pupal stage, glow-worm often retreats to a sheltered spot underground or in dense vegetation to undergo metamorphosis. For the adult glow-worm, you might look near hedgerows, grasslands, or around the edges of forests during the breeding season, as they emit light to attract mates. To search for them, a night-time walk in these environments will be the most productive, particularly in late spring to summer when they are most active.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Glow-worm
The best time to find adult glow-worm is at dusk or nighttime when they are most active and their bioluminescence is visible. The suitable time for finding larvae would be at night or during the day by looking under stones or inside decaying wood where they hide.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Glow-worm
Mild, humid nights are ideal for spotting adult glow-worm, as they prefer not to be active during dry or cold conditions. Larvae are less affected by weather but can still be more easily found during moist conditions.
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How and Where Can You Find Glow-worm at Different Life Stages
Larva Glow-worm larvae can be found on the ground or under rocks and logs in moist environments. Searching for them involves carefully turning over these objects and looking for the slender, glowworm larvae.
Pupal Glow-worm pupae are typically hidden in the soil or under debris. Finding them requires gently sifting through leaf litter or digging into soft earth, taking care not to harm the pupae.
Adult To find adult glow-worm, wait for darkness and look for their characteristic glow, which is used for mating signals. Transect walks in suitable habitats or simply sitting quietly in a potential glow-worm habitat and watching for their light emissions can be effective methods.
Are Glow-worm harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Glow-worm
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Predators of Pests
Predators of Pests
Stage
Larvae
Purpose
Feed Itself
Diets
Snails, Slugs
Glow-worm larvae are nocturnal predators. They have powerful digestive enzymes to help them liquefy and consume their prey, which are primarily snails and slugs. The larvae inject these enzymes into their prey to digest them externally before consuming the liquefied tissues.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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