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1/3 New Zealand Glow worm larva Image 1 of 3...<br /> 60 metres below ground surface in Ruakuri Cave, part of the Waitomo caves system on the north island of New Zealand. <br /> Seen here is a New Zealand glow worm larva in its silk hammock. 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. <br /> 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,Diptera,Fall,Geotagged,Keroplatidae,Macro,New Zealand,autumn,fungus gnat larvae,insect,invertebrate Click/tap to enlarge

1/3 New Zealand Glow worm larva

Image 1 of 3...
60 metres below ground surface in Ruakuri Cave, part of the Waitomo caves system on the north island of New Zealand.
Seen here is a New Zealand glow worm larva in its silk hammock. 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.

    comments (2)

  1. View Ruth Spigelman's profile
    Ruth Spigelman
    Lion
    View Lion class
    The silken lure threads....
    2/3 New Zealand Glow worm silken lures Image 2 of 3...<br /> 60 metres below ground surface in Ruakuri Cave, part of the Waitomo caves system on the north island of New Zealand. <br /> 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. <br /> 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,Diptera,Geotagged,Keroplatidae,Life in the dark,Macro,New Zealand,autumn,insect,invertebrate,silk lure
     Posted 6 years ago, modified 6 years ago
  2. View Ruth Spigelman's profile
    Ruth Spigelman
    Lion
    View Lion class
    Blue-green bioluminescence exhibited by New Zealand Glow worm larvae....
    3/3 New Zealand glow worm bioluminescence Image 3 of 3...<br /> 60 metres below ground surface in Ruakuri Cave, part of the Waitomo caves system on the north island of New Zealand. <br /> Seen here is New Zealand glow worm larva exhibiting bioluminescence. It was just amazing to see the visual effect of this phenomenon, deep within the caves. <br /> Flash photography was not allowed and capturing any image of these intriguing life forms in almost complete darkness was a challenge - I hope these images are of sufficient quality for others to enjoy. Arachnocampa luminosa,Diptera,Geotagged,Keroplatidae,Macro,New Zealand,autumn,bioluminescence,fungus gnat larvae,insect
     Posted 6 years ago, modified 6 years ago

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The New Zealand glowworm

''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

Info 3 1
Similar species: True Flies
Species identified by Ruth Spigelman
View Ruth Spigelman's profile

By Ruth Spigelman

All rights reserved
Uploaded Apr 29, 2019. Captured Mar 26, 2019 08:07 in 713 Waitomo Caves Rd, Waitomo 3977, New Zealand.
country flag of New Zealand Explore New Zealand 177 144 0
  • Canon EOS 60D
  • f/6.3
  • 1/32s
  • ISO1600
  • 100mm
Captured in the fall. More fall photos.