Waitomo Caves, NewZealand

Photo :- Martin Rietze

Bringing to mind night skyscape, these gently twinkling lights in the Waitomo caves of Northern NewZealand are created by the collective bioluminescence of thousands of glow-worms, Arachnocampa luminosa.

Each glow-worm radiates a blue-green light created through the action of the enzyme luciferase on the compound luciferin in an organ similar to the human kidney. The worms fix themselves to the chamber ceiling and hang down the long threads of sticky silk to ensnare small flying insects, such as midges and mosquitoes, which are attracted towards the enticing glow.

After spending six to twelve months in their larval stage, the worms pupate into mouthless adult gnats that live for just a few days. "All the adults have to do is to fly, and not very well at that, reproduce and die. All the eating and growing is done in the larval stage." says entomologist and BBC presenter George McGavin.