The glowworms’ light is part of their hunting behaviour. While the lights that you will see in the cave come from the larvae, the gnats do glow as well – though not as brightly. The light is the result of a chemical reaction that involves several components that react with oxygen to create the famous blue light. This is similar to the other glowing life that comes to mind including deep-sea fish mushrooms and plankton. The New Zealand glowworm is one of many creatures that naturally produce light in a process called bioluminescence. It is not uncommon to find them on trees and cliffs overhanging rivers in many parts of the country, although these are not always easy to access. These maggot-looking larvae cluster together and although they are most spectacular in caves, glowworms are also quite common outside – they can be found wherever conditions are damp, food is in good supply and there is an overhanging wall. The adult Arachnocampa are a type of flying gnat, and what you come to see are the larve form. The Glow worms that you will see in your tour of the Footwhistle cave are a species of gnat called Arachnocampa luminosa which are only found in New Zealand and Australia.

Unlike many other Glowworm tours, at Caveworld you can get up close and personal with these unique and fascinating insects.

They are such a beautiful sight on their own, and tours like the Footwhistle Glowworm Tour take you deep into otherwise unseen parts of the country. Glowworms are a must-see when you come to New Zealand. Things You Might Not Know About Glow Worms

Download glow worms in trees