H O M E G L O W W O R M C A V E S R E S E A R C H S U S T A N I B I L I T Y  
     
   

 


Glowworm Research

In 2019, National Geographic published an article illustrating anthropogenic threats faced by the glowworm and, as a result, how the species has declined by 75% between 2001 and 2018.

Previously, very few glowworm colonies were regularly monitored to fully understand and accurately predict potential future consequences of continued anthropogenic pressure. Furthermore, there was very limited research focused on the requirements towards the glowworm survival and the implications of changes to their environment and ecosystem.

The Glowworm Project was formed in early 2020, with the aim to further understand the life cycle and environmental requirements of the species, identify & monitor sustained natural and anthropogenic threats and to identify potential solutions for alleviation.

Founded by Expedition Earth, with involvement from both local University and international entomologists, The Glowworm Project has made major strides and developments throughout the previous three years.

Research began within the laboratory at the Waikato University Biology Department, and later expanded to an independent location with sufficient facilities to host a substantial and self-sustainable glowworm colony for observations. The current laboratory is the world's largest glowworm research facility.






Monitoring Environmental Changes
To create accurate models to depict external impacts faced by the glowworm, natural colonies must be monitored. This provides clarity on the species environmental requirements and irregular changes to the environment can be identified. Ongoing observations of the colonies health and size provides comparable data. 

By using Emerson GO Real Time monitoring equipment, remote access allows continuous updates measured at 10 minute intervals. .
   The data collected is utilized within the laboratory to recreate a similar environment with the inhouse glowworm colony, allowing control of environmental variation.

The Glowworm Project intends to increase its monitoring of natural colonies, to allow comparable data for the ability to identify specific colonies under threat and predict which colonies are most at risk of being depleted in near future.







Behaviors, Habitats and Ecosystems

Understanding the species life cycle has required both in laboratory rearing and ongoing field observation of select colonies. 

There is limited research published focusing on key aspects of the glowworms' life cycle, such as; survival rate of egg clutches, feeding patterns of recent hatchlings, feeding quantities of each larva instar and behavioral reactions to pheromones. Observing these natural behaviors is key to understanding the survival and expansion or depletion rate of colonies. 

Beyond natural behavioral studies, there is near-to-no published research focused on studying the impact of increased anthropogenic threats faced by the glowworm today. These include; the effect of different climate ranges, flooding submersion, food source availability from stream depletion or light pollution at specific distances. 

Our team is working to have a complete comprehension on the glowworm's behaviours, habitat and ecosystem, so that we can use this data to understand the species changes of survival against anthropogenic threats.

 








 
Recreating Habitas

Laboratory rearing provides controlled environmental variation, as both a means to mirror an existing environment or to fabricate the impact of environmental changes on the species. This practice is key to understanding the species.

The challenge of laboratory rearing is that some species, including the glowworm, are extremely difficult to rear in captivity. The glowworm's sensitivities to environmental conditions results in a precise habitat required throughout the species lifecycle to achieve successful captivity rearing.

The glowworm requires a very particular degree of humidity, permeability and moisture level, which artificial materials do not cater for. Numerous materials have been studied and trialed since 2020 to fit the criteria.

Beyond the build of the habitat, the challenge of ongoing rearing is food supply and territorial cannibalisation.








Founders of The Glowworm Project, with the aim to
protect and preserve the natural world.

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Expedition Earth is led by New Zealanders Bridget Thackwray and Topher Richwhite. The duo are known for their global journey circumventing 76 countries and exploring the effects a growing human population is having on natural habitats, whilst promoting the initiatives working to protect them.

Expedition Earth have been working with the likes of National Geographic, undertaking assignments including documenting the effect of human infection on Ugandan gorillas populations, lion depletion from indigenous hunting methods in Tanzania, to working with anti poaching units in Zimbabwe.

From their global expedition, the couple both comprehend and champion the need for protecting natural environments and finding a sustainable solution to alleviate anthropogenic pressure.