Light helps capture insects: glow worms

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Special organs in glow worms help lure insects to their sticky silk threads using bioluminescence.

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"Before a short adult life as a gnat, larvae in the genus Arachnocampa spend months as carnivorous glowworms in caves or sheltered areas using light as a lure…a hungry New Zealand glowworm, Arachnocampa luminosa, lays a trap. From its nest on a cave ceiling, the glowworm dangles several dozen 'fishing lines,' each studded with evenly spaced, sticky droplets of mucus. The worm then churns out bioluminescence from organs on its posterior, attracting passing insects. These duped bugs get snagged in the gummy threads, and the glowworm hauls in its catch." (Hadhazy 2009)

About the inspiring organism

Arachnocampa luminosa
Arachnocampa luminosa Skuse, 1891

Some organism data provided by: BDWD: BioSystematic Database of World Diptera
Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Mechanisms of capturing insects that are without harsh chemicals and use little energy. Adhesion without toxins.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Agriculture, energy

Experts

Merritt Lab
Dr. David Merritt
The University of Queensland

References

Hadhazy A. 2009. Shining Examples: 10 Bioluminescent Creatures that Glow in Surprising Ways [Slide Show].
http://www.scientificamerican.com/slideshow.cfm?id=bioluminescent-avatar&photo_id=A2922C17-B1FA-8BD4-2154DFB27BFAE416.

Merritt DJ; Aotani S. 2008. Circadian regulation of bioluminescence in the prey-luring glowworm, Arachnocampa flava. Journal Of Biological Rhythms. 23(4): 319-329.

Light helps capture insects: glow worms

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