Waipu Caves

You can see Glowworm lights in the last pic.  The “worm” is actually the larval stage of a fungus gnat fly.  The adult fly looks a little like a mosquito, but we never saw one.  Warning: Sciencey quote ahead …

“Glowworm light is made from a biochemical reaction called bioluminescence which takes place at the terminal end of the renal glands or malphigian tubules of the larval glowworm. Energy to make the light is sourced from an energy rich protein, ATP which is manufactured there. Glowworms produce ‘cold’ light, a pure light with almost no associated heat.  The glowworm larva uses the light at its tail end as an irresistible lure to attract small flying insects lost in the darkness of the cave. Adult females can also produce a light at their tail which may help to attract a mate.”

Glow worms

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