Glow-worms

admin
, 22 August 2019
Glow-worms
© Derek Middleton

By Charlotte Owen

WildCall Officer

Lampyris noctiluca. It sounds like a spell that could be uttered by a student at Hogwarts but this is the Latin name of one of our most magical creatures, the Glow-worm. If they really could be conjured into life by the wave of a wand the result would be an impressive constellation of glowing green lights, arcing through the air to illuminate the night. Sadly this mesmerising display would be disappointingly brief. Only the females glow, and while they can keep their little tail-lights on for hours at a time they don’t have wings and can’t fly. Rather than a magical cloud of floating Fireflies, the hapless Glow-worms would continue their trajectory and tumble down to earth in a glimmering heap. While this might have its uses, a simple Lumos charm would surely be more effective.

The Glow-worm’s glow has inspired countless fairy tales and reams of folklore but this seemingly-supernatural ability has a solid scientific explanation.  It’s a fascinating example of bioluminescence, the emission of light by a living organism.  This trait is much more common in the oceans, which are full of luminous marine creatures from algae to squid and deep sea dragonfish.  The Glow-worm is one of the few terrestrial beings to have mastered this power, which stems from a simple chemical reaction.  It begins with a measure of luciferin, a light-generating substance whose name derives from the Latin lucifer, meaning light-bringer.  Add a pinch of luciferase, an enzyme that will catalyse the reaction, and ensure a steady supply of oxygen before kick-starting the process with a jolt of metabolic energy.  Then – as if by magic – there is light.

Females use their luciferin-fuelled lanterns to attract a mate, and with only a few weeks to live there’s no time to waste.  An enchanting light show is the surest way to romance, so they climb as high as possible to secure a good vantage point before beginning their broadcast.  Male Glow-worms do have wings and they fly around in search of females, homing in on their glowing abdomens until they are lured into landing by the beacon that shines the brightest.  

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Comments

  • Carol and David Todd:

    6 seen this evening up Chapel Hill in Lewes.
    Love the above about them – wish we could have some of their special qualities. Magical and a privilege seeing them.

    20 Jul 2022 21:40:00

  • Diane thurston:

    Treated to a magical display of glow worms covering our two silver birches from 4am to 5.45 today 5 th September 2022. First time in our lives the trees looked like Christmas trees. Really beautiful.

    05 Sep 2022 10:25:00

  • Keith Wray:

    I may be going mad but at 6.30 this morning I looked out of the window which looks over the pond and saw a bright light. I assumed it was a star reflection, but it then started to move around, at times quite quickly. It was still quite dark so the light was very bright and can only assume it was moving on top of the Lilly leafs. I can only assume it was a Firefly! Is this possible at this time of year and in Sussex. We live in Hurstpierpoint.
    I would welcome your opinion, as I am convinced that it was a Firefly, or the early signs of madness! Thanks, Keith Wray

    18 Oct 2022 06:50:00

  • Sussex Wildlife Trust:

    We don’t have fireflies in the UK, so there are no flying lights. Only female Glow Worms glow and they are flightless, so could not move rapidly as described. Females generally climb a tall stem and glow from a fixed point. October is late for Glow Worms to be active, so it’s unlikely but not impossible. Charlotte Owen. WildCall Officer

  • Pippa Frost:

    Walking home around 11pm last night, we saw a green light in the verge. It looked like someone had thrown a led bulb in there, maybe a battery ring or something. When we checked it out, there were 2 beetles on a wide grass leaf. It was truly amazing and magical. Nr Boreham Street, East Sussex

    04 Jul 2026 12:42:00

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