Glow worm cave, New Zealand

A fungus gnat does not sound like a particularly alluring animal. And for the most part, these

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small, drab flies are pretty unappealing. But one particular species of fungus gnat found only in New Zealand has an illuminating secret: in its larval stage, Arachnocampa luminosa, also known as the glowworm, is capable of putting on a breathtaking light show. These spectacular images created by photographer Joseph Michael show the cavernous darkness of several caves on New Zealand’s North Island transformed by pinpoints of starry glowworm light. The gnat larvae spend their six or so months of life within this subterranean safety, ensconced in silky tubes on the walls, ceilings and stalactites of the caves. Their blue-green glow is actually emitted by special organs in their tails, and it acts like a luminous lure for prey – prey that the hungry larvae snare and hoist up to be devoured with the help of silky "fishing lines" beaded with droplets of mucus and suspended from above. More: http://www.earthtouchnews.com