It’s getting towards summer, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a glow-worm! Here’s our guide as to where you might find them and, when to look for them and what to expect!
We should probably kick this off with a little explanation of what exactly a glow-worm is. Despite the misleading name, glow-worms are actually a species of beetle! The females are larger than males and have segmented bodies, and also emit bioluminescence (naturally-produced light), whereas the males only emit a very dim light, yet have wings unlike the females. Larvae are similar-looking to females but have light spots on the sides of segments.
How Can I find Glow-Worms?
Glow-Worms can be found in many parts of Britain, in grassland and open woodland areas, and we are lucky to be able to find them in Southwater! Here’s our expert step-by-step guide to finding them and beecoming a glow-worm expert!
- To start off with, you need to know when to find them. Glow-worms can be found all year round, however your best chance at spotting them is during Summer (breeding season), during which the females emit bioluminescence to try and attract a mate. To witness this phenomenon, you need a very warm and moist/muggy evening without rainfall. A crescent moon also helps as they are less likely to glow under a full moon. You’ll be out at sunset ready for nightfall when the spectacle starts.
- Now as to how to see them. We recommend an open section of woodland/grassland with shrubbery nearby for the glow-worms to shelter in. Keep pacing up and down the same area from different angles. As your eyes get used to the light, you’ll hopefully see a speck of light. If not, move to a different location and come back later. Once you’ve seen one, you’ll see them all!
- Finally, where to find them. Glow-worms can be found in many open woodland/grassland areas of Southwaters, but there are a few factors which need to be met. Firstly, you need to have very little light, all of which should be natural, so try not to use a torch. Secondly, you need a quiet area, without much human noise. We recommend open areas of the Downs Link (Near The Bax Castle) and Southwater Country Park.
What should I do if I find a glow-worm(s)?
Glow-Worms are Near-Threatened (According to the IUCN Red List), with a decreasing population trend. In basic terms, this means that glow-worms are not endangered, however their population could be at risk of extinction in the near future. If you find a glow-worm, please log it on the National Glow-Worm Survey here. Note: any glowing species are likely females, and chances are this is how you’ll recognise them, please mark them on as of the correct gender. If possible, please also log onto the local Southwater Green Project survey.
