LUMINESCENT BEHAVIOUR IN THE NEW ZEALAND GLOWWORM, ARACHNOCAMPA LUMINOSA (INSECTA; DIPTERA; MYCETOPHILIDAE)

摘要

The larva of the mycetophilid Arachnocampa luminosa, commonly known as the New Zealand glowworm, emits a seemingly continuous bluish light. A. luminosa larvae secrete numerous vertical silk threads covered with droplets of sticky mucus, which hang from the ceiling of the limestone cave. The larvae occupy a nest made of thin silk and with their light the glowworms attract small insects and other invertebrates that subsequently get stuck on the mucus-covered silk threads.''5 Since to date there are no studies that concern themselves with the luminescence activity rhythm of the larvae (let alone the adults), we set out to record in the field any luminescence biorhythmicity the larvae might display.