Glow-worm
Lampyris noctiluca
This record describes Lampyris noctiluca (species). Recorded family: Lampyridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The glow-worm is not really a worm at all, in fact it is a beetle. This is most obvious when you see the male. Lampyris noctiluca presents a conspicuous sexual dimorphism. The males are winged, with brown elytra, a clearer pronotum and a large brown spot in the middle, while females are larviforme, wings are missing and they are often twice the size of the males (up to 25 millimetres or 1 inch in length). Low growing vegetation in the evenings. During the day they can be found under stones and logs. Most noticeable at night in June and July when the female lights up to attract the males by emitting light from the last few segments of her abdomen. Fairly frequent and widespread in Britain.
Wikipedia reference for Lampyris noctiluca: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lampyris_noctiluca.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Lampyridae
- Genus
- Lampyris
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Low growing vegetation in the evenings. During the day they can be found under stones and logs.
Seasonal Activity
Active from May to late August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Most noticeable at night in June and July when the female lights up to attract the males by emitting light from the last few segments of her abdomen.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent and widespread in Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Lampyris noctiluca. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Glow-worm (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Glow-worm
What is Glow-worm?
Glow-worm (Lampyris noctiluca) is a species in the family Lampyridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Glow-worm?
of the males (up to 25 millimetres or 1 inch in length).
Where is Glow-worm found?
Habitat: Low growing vegetation in the evenings. During the day they can be found under stones and logs.
When is Glow-worm active?
Glow-worm: seasonal activity - Active from May to late August..
What is the life cycle of a Glow-worm?
Most noticeable at night in June and July when the female lights up to attract the males by emitting light from the last few segments of her abdomen.