We have been learning about minibeasts in class as part of science. We have been creating information reports on a minibeast of our choice. The minibeast we chose had to live in NZ. Here is my writing
Awesome Glow Worms
What Are Glow Worms?
Glow worms are native to NZ. They are the larvae of the fungus gnat ( a type of fly ). They are mainly carnivores but they will eat leaves if necessary. Glow worms are nocturnal and are insects. Their DOC status is not threatened. They are also known as the Titiwai and the Pūrātoke. A glow worm tail has a special organ that is the equivalent of a human kidney. It uses the glow to burn off waste. It’s tail glows because of bioluminescence which is a chemical reaction between the glow worm and the oxygen in the air. Bioluminescence is an insects natural light source to attract food or a mate.
Where do Titiwai live?
Pūrātoke live in many different places but they all are damp or dark making them humid. Glow worms may be found on moist banks and dangling from ravines. Sometimes they are found in abandoned mining tunnels and caves. Some of the many places they live are always humid.
What do Glow Worms Eat?
Glow worms have a basic diet in the insect kingdom. Glow worms have a meat based diet but they will eat leaves and dead wood. Slugs and snails often fall prey to Titiwai and so do other small invertebrates. Even other insects are a part of their diet! They use their glowing lights to attract prey into their sticky threads. Once the insects are stuck the Titiwai can eat them.
How do Pūrātoke reproduce?
Pūrātoke have a very strange life cycle. The adult fly only lives for three days but in that time the fly lays its eggs. The eggs hatch in three weeks. Young larvae are three millimeters long when they hatch. Over six to nine months they grow steadily until they are three to four centimeters. When they become pupa they hang upside down on a string for two weeks.
What are their threats?
Arachnids are big threats because they eat glow worms. There is also a bit of cannibalism in territorial disputes between glow worm. One of their main threats is habitat loss and the pollution of streams because glow worms require clean water. We as humans need to look after their habitats and clean up our waterways.
Photos of the Pūrātoke!
