Wild Wednesday – Glow-worm
The magical glow-worm! Did you know that one of West Sussex's most enchanting creatures isn't a worm at all?
Glow-worms are not actually worms - they are either the larvae of fungus gnats or the wingless females of certain beetles. During warm summer evenings the female emits a beautiful green light through a highly efficient chemical reaction. This glow acts as a biological trap for prey or serves to attract a mate in the dark and is incredibly efficient, losing almost no energy as heat.
It's one of nature's most magical sights and can sometimes be spotted in grasslands, roadside verges and chalk downland habitats across the South Downs National Park.
Adult females and larvae glow, but the flying adult males typically do not. The female climbs up plant stems and illuminates her abdomen to attract a male.
They have no mouth - adult glow worms live for only 14 to 21 days and completely lack mouthparts, meaning they rely entirely on energy stored during their larval stage.
The South Downs provides ideal conditions for glow-worms, with its rich chalk grasslands supporting the snails that glow-worm larvae love to eat. On a warm July night, areas of the Downs can come alive with tiny glowing lights, creating a natural spectacle right here in West Sussex.
If you're lucky enough to spot a glow-worm:
- keep to paths where possible
- avoid using bright torches or flash photography
- take care not to disturb their habitat
These fascinating insects spend most of their lives as larvae, hunting snails, before transforming into the glowing adults we see during summer.
Read more: Glow-worm | The Wildlife Trusts