New Zealand: Waitomo – Glowworms at Mangapohue Natural Bridge

An absolute must do is to come back to the Mangapohue Natural Bridge at night to see the spectacle of glowworms. The New Zealand Glowworm (Arachnocampa Luminosa) is a species of endemic fungus knat, whose larvae live in wet caves and grottoes. The larvae (the size of an earthworm) spins a nest on the walls or ceilings of the cave and then drop 20-70 threads of silk snares up to 30 cm / 1 foot long with droplets of mucus to catch mosquitoes, moth, and flies. The larvae worm glows brightly at night to illuminate itself and the mucus droplets to lure insects – the hungrier the larvae the brighter the bio-luminescence.