| Glow Worm Chamber in Waipu Cave (picture by Peter Watts) |  |
Glow Worm Chamber in Waipu Cave
Photographer Description of Glow Worm Chamber in Waipu Cave
This panorama shows the glow worms in Waipu Cave. Each green point seen in the picture is a glow worm. It image was taken using a 30" exposure standing in the shallow stream in the cave and bathing the cave wall with a moving torch light. This allowed the glow worms to stand out whilst also illuminating the cave walls a little. It was an experiment, as I had never photographed in these conditions before.The glowworms within the caves are the larval stages Arachnocampa, a fungus gnat. The larval stage lasts for between 6-12 months. During this time the glow worms spin threads of silk which they lower into the cave cavity about 30cm. The glow, produced by the action of luciferin and luciferase enzyme, attracts insects into the silk strands. These are covered with mucus, trapping the prey, which are then reeled in and consumed. Hungry larva glow brighter than recently eaten ones. When prey is scarce, the larva can turn to cannibalism. In adult life, only the female adult glows, and this is used to attract males for mating. Thus, this most popular of tourist attractions in New Zealand is based on some very predatory behavior.
Glow Worm Chamber in Waipu Cave - Further Information
Waipu Caves are a glow worm caves near to Waipu in Northland of New Zealand. The caves are self guided but, unlike most other glow worm caves in New Zealand, are free to access. The caves have no proper paths in them and the glow worms are in the third chamber. This is accessed by scrambling over (slipery) mud banks and through a small stream. The stream is occupied by cave eels, and visitors should plan to get both wet and dirty.Because of all this, the Waipu caves could boast to give one of the most authentic glow worm experiences in New Zealand. Information about the caves and a cave map are available from the tourist information centre in Waipu. The entrance to Waipu Caves are at the end of a field down a dirt track.
Travel Directions and Getting There:
From Waipu cross the Waipu Bypass and continue up Shoemaker Road. Then turn onto Waipu Caves Road and continue along to the caves. Waipu Caves Road is a windy, narrow gravel road.
