The World of Glowworms

We’ve heard of fireflies that glow and light up our backyard, but we may not be familiar with worms. These interesting bioluminescent Dismalites are known to live in just a few places in the world, including some remote caves.

Where can we find Glowworms?

Orfelia Fultoni (Glowworms) are strange little creatures that can only be found in 3 spots on the planet: Alabama, New Zealand, and Australia. Dismals Canyon in Alabama is where they’re given the name, “Dismalites”. Because that is the only place where these special glowworms glow up their bioluminescence in such high masses. And it is a unique place, one that provides the environment these glowworms need to survive. 

These cave walls where they reside, Dismalites can build web traps to catch food. Apart from that are also needs to be plenty of food for them to trap in the form of insects. They needed a still area where the winds don’t disturb their webs and a dark environment where lights can glow up. Not many places are there in this world which perfectly fill each of these needs.

What makes Dismalites Glow up?

Dismalites are actually larvae, not adults. They become a fly or gnat when they grow fully. And what makes them glow? Similar to how fireflies produce light it is basically a chemical reaction. Glowworms mix specific compounds together to produce glow with their unique light-producing organ. Even though the light is blue when the Dismalites flashes most of them produce a steady glow. And when standing at night in the Canyon the walls of the cave looks like a clear night sky filled with stars.

Season of the Dismalites

There are two peak times in Alabama for Dismalites. In late April through May comes the first season. And the second one peaks at the end of September and lasts through October. Although the Dismal Canyons are temporarily closed as of the Corona Virus they offer guided night tours. More information can be found on the Dismal Canyon website if you are interested in one of these tours.