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WildBristol.uk - Discovering Wildlife in Bristol

Glow-worm - Lampyris noctiluca

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Species Description

Widespread but localised throughout the UK but mostly in England and rare in Scotland. Habitat includes: unimproved grassland, churchyards, roadsides, country lanes etc. Life story: Generally the males do not glow but females and larvae do, though the latter are much fainter and more intermittent. Whilst the adults only live for a few weeks, the larvae take up to 3 years to develop and are predatory on slugs and snails. They are usually dormant in the winter but can come out on mild nights.

Useful Links:

The UK Glow worm Survey

https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/the-glimmering-world-of-glow-worms.html

Naturespot

First Nature

NBN