Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Waitomo

Atlas ObscuraAug 17

15 Best Places to Experience Bioluminescence

The humble glow worm is, in fact, a catchall term for numerous glowing creatures, from gnat larvae to fire flys to algae, that can be found all over the world. These tiny critters illuminate the night through bioluminescence, a process in which light is emitted by internal chemical reactions. Bioluminescence has evolved independently in over 90 different species, first emerging some 540 million…

Thousands of bioluminescent larvae create starlike lights.

15 sights in this story

Waitomo Glowworm CavesAttractionThousands of bioluminescent larvae create starlike lights.
Elsewhere
Waipu CavesSightWaipu, New ZealandLesser-known alternative to Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
Glowworm TunnelSightHelensburgh, AustraliaGlowworms settled in on the roof, illuminating the air.
Sea of StarsSightVaadhoo, MaldivesPhytoplankton called Lingulodinium polyedrum move with waves.
Synchronous Fireflies of the Great Smoky MountainsSightGatlinburg, United StatesRare breed of firefly, P. carolinus, flashes in unison.
Newnes Glow Worm TunnelSightPutty, AustraliaSandstone tunnel reclaimed by Arachnocampa richardsae larvae.
Bloody Bay Coral WallSightLittle Cayman, Cayman IslandsCoral wall home to microscopic bioluminescent creatures.
Blue Ghost FirefliesSightHendersonville, United StatesFlightless females glow and streak through the sky.
Glistening WatersSightFalmouth, JamaicaAgitation produces a strange and beautiful blue-green light.
Kampung Kuantan Fireflies ParkSightBestari Jaya, MalaysiaTens of thousands of fireflies blink in perfect unison.
Glowing Millipedes of Sequoia National ParkSightThree Rivers, United StatesMotyxia millipedes use bioluminescence as a warning.
Gippsland Lakes BioluminescenceSightRaymond Island, AustraliaAlgae bloom of Noctiluca Scintillans visible at night.
The Firefly Squid of Toyama BaySightNamerikawa, JapanWatasenia scintillans light up like blue glow sticks.
The Milky SeasSightSomaliaOcean area glows due to bioluminescent bacteria Vibrio harveyi.
Dismals CanyonSightPhil Campbell, United StatesCanyon lights up with hundreds of bioluminescent gnat larvae.

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Waitomo Glowworm Caves

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15 Best Places to Experience Bioluminescence