Common Glow-worm
Scientific Name: Lampyris noctiluca
Order & Family: Coleoptera (Beetles), Family Lampyridae (Fireflies/Glow-worms)
Size: Larvae can reach up to 25 mm in length. Adult females are typically 10-25 mm long, while adult males are smaller, around 10-15 mm.
Natural Habitat
Glow-worms are found in various damp habitats including woodlands, grasslands, hedgerows, gardens, and along riverbanks. They prefer areas with good cover and a plentiful supply of their prey.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae primarily feed on snails and slugs. Adult glow-worms typically do not feed or feed very little, living off reserves built during their larval stage.
Behavior Patterns
As larvae, glow-worms are nocturnal predators, actively hunting for snails and slugs. They inject their prey with digestive fluids before consuming them. Adult females are also flightless and emit a strong, continuous glow to attract flying males at dusk or night. The bioluminescence is a key part of their mating ritual.
Risks & Benefits
Glow-worms are beneficial insects as their larvae help control populations of slugs and snails, which can be garden pests. They pose no direct risk to humans. Their presence is also an indicator of a healthy ecosystem.
Identified on: 8/9/2025