Overall, there are 3 British species of glow worm, although only one (Lampyris noctiluca L.) is likely to be found.
Male glow worms have a normal beetle form, while the females are wingless and resemble beetle larvae. The features of the most common species, L.noctiluca, are listed below:
Males
- Antennae: 11 segmented, filiform
- Head: Very large eyes
- Pronotum: Yellow and brown, semi-circular, largely covering head
- Wing cases: Brown
- Tarsi: 5-5-5
Females
- Larviform (wingless), highly bioluminescent
Larvae
- Black with yellow corners to each segment - they feed on snails
Where to find them: Chalk downland in the South East of England