Step into the underground world of New Zealand’s Waitomo Caves and you’ll witness one of the most enchanting natural wonders on the planet. In total darkness, a galaxy of tiny blue lights twinkles all around – created by thousands of glow worms clinging to the cave ceilings.
These spellbinding creatures are arachnocampa luminosa, a species unique to New Zealand. Although called worms, they are actually the larvae of a fungus gnat. The glow is a clever hunting trick, used to lure flying insects into sticky silk threads that dangle below.
The limestone caves, formed over millions of years, provide the perfect damp and dark conditions for these bioluminescent creatures, which produce their light through a chemical reaction in their bodies.
This timelapse video shows just how magical these little animals are.
Main image: Waitomo Caves. Credit: Getty
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