Community identification
Glow-worm (likely a female Lampyris noctiluca, but could be another species of firefly/glow-worm)
Lampyris noctiluca (among others in Lampyridae)
- Order & Family
- Order: Coleoptera, Family: Lampyridae (Fireflies/Glow-worms)
- Size
- Larvae and wingless females typically range from 15-20 mm, while winged males are smaller, around 10-15 mm.
Natural Habitat
Damp areas such as grasslands, woodlands, hedges, and gardens. They prefer areas with good snail populations.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae are predatory, feeding on snails and slugs. Adults of some species do not feed.
Behavior Patterns
Female glow-worms are wingless and stay on the ground, emitting a bright, continuous bioluminescent light from their tail end to attract male beetles, which are winged.
Risks & Benefits
Benefits: Larvae are beneficial in gardens as they control snail and slug populations. Risks: No known risks to humans. The light produced is harmless.