Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Since they were discovered in 1887, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves in New Zealand have inspired wonder with their stalactites and stalagmites, glowing with tiny bright blue lights. The fungus gnat, Arachnocampa luminosa, which is unique to New Zealand, can be found in massive numbers in the caves. Their bioluminescent larvae cling to rock walls and hunt prey with long, glowing strings of sticky mucus. The larvae use the lights to attract insects into the sticky strings, where they are consumed.