Glowworm Glowworm is the common name for larvae of all beetles of the family Phengodidae, a group of insects closely related to the fireflies, or lightning bugs ...
The female "glowworm" (fig. 15, b), emitting the well-known light (see above), is wingless and like a larva; the luminosity seems to be an attraction to the male, whose eyes are often exceptionally well developed.
Both larvae and wingless females are called glowworms. The common European glowworm is the female of the Lampyris noctiluca. Asian glowworms are considered beneficial controllers of crop-damaging snails and slugs.
The glowing larvae are also called glowworms. Many of these well-lit 'worms' are predaceous, feeding on smaller insects, snails and slugs.
are familiar, but few realize that these insects are actually beetles, nocturnal members of the family Lampyridae. Most fireflies are winged, which distinguishes them from other luminescent insects of the same family, commonly known as glowworms.
Warren saw the rear end of one disappearing in to the forest and the ranger heard a male calling. That was the closest we got, alas. We did get see glowworms, a blue duck and shags and pigeons and kakas, so all was not lost.
See also: Firefly, Beetle, Lightning Bug, Snail, Fly
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