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2/3 New Zealand Glow worm silken lures
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60 metres below ground surface in Ruakuri Cave, part of the Waitomo caves system on the north island of New Zealand.
Seen here is New Zealand glow worm silken lure threads, suspended from the cave surface . The larval stage and the imago of this fungus gnat produce a blue-green bioluminescence. It was just amazing to see the visual effect of this phenomenon, deep within the caves.
Flash photography was not allowed and capturing any image of these intriguing life forms in almost complete darkness was a challenge - I hope the images are of sufficient quality for others to enjoy.
''Arachnocampa luminosa'' , commonly known as New Zealand glowworm or simply glowworm, is a species of fungus gnat endemic to New Zealand. The larval stage and the imago produce a blue-green bioluminescence. The species is known to dwell in caves and on sheltered banks in native bush where humidity is high. Its Māori name is titiwai, meaning "projected over water".
The first written record of the species dates from 1871 when it was collected from a gold mine in New Zealand's Thames region... more
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