Glow worms

[James M]

Now these are something I've never seen, what sort of habitat can they be found in? going by ChrisJBs post areas with limestone? so perhaps not very likely to be seen around here then.

[Hedge Witch]

For some reason they can often be seen along disused railway lines, and I have seen them on non-calcarious soil. I think I read that a nearby water source is necessary. For anyone who's never seen them, they are quite special and worth hunting down!

[shirl]

Have a read at the UK glow worm site, there is an online book in text form, and loads of info about them. Our glow worms follow the "traditional" habitat of limestone grassland, we have many different species of snails including Cepaea sp so it is a good location for them. Only problem is that at this time of year, you have to go out looking around 11:45 pm - makes a long day!

Shirl

UK Glow worm survey home page

And from the UK glow worm site, there is a video link to the most fantastic clip of a pair of glowworms http://vimeo.com:80/5153213

[ollyk]

How are we doing with sightings folks? I find it a real pain to get out but I would like to take the whole family out tomorrow night and would like to know my chances up here in the North West...?

[shirl]

I am on 9 females at the moment in the Derbys Dales, went out again last night but I suspect I will give tonight a miss - too wet!

Shirl

[ollyk]

Well I think I am still going to give it a try if it clears from now, it will be my only chance for maybe a week or so

[Hedge Witch]

There is an obscure site in North London that we visited last night.
Nine females were seen from the path. I didn't want to venture "off road" as I'd managed to forget my torch, and they are to be found in a wooded area, possibly to avoid the lights from the nearby buildings.

I visited last year and noticed they were more visible then. This year they seem to have moved into taller vegetation. Interesting creatures. I don't think I managed to get a decent shot because of the way they were "hiding". The males seemed to find them OK though

[ollyk]

No show for us last night. However, as it was 15 years since I have been to this site I am not entirely sure if I was in the right 'patch'.

I might actually get a chance to go back again tonight which I thought I wouldn't be able to do

Just out of interest is there anyone reading this who has been to the site just outside Buxton (Derbyshire) this year?

[Hedge Witch]

Here's the best of a bunch of shots. Just the female on her own, without and with glow:

[PMG]

Originally Posted by ChrisJB

I'm glad someone has brought this topic up. I've never seen one and would love to. Does anyone know any good sites in the Carboniferous Limestone areas of Lancs, Yorks or the Peak District? I've heard Arnside Knott is a place for them.

Regards, Chris

Originally Posted by The Woodman

ChrisJB, I don't know about Arnside Knott, but over on the north side of the estuary you'll find them on the limestone cliff and old quarry at Meathop, near the foot of the River Winster. I've even seen them in the railway ballast there.

Ah-ha - thanks for that - the quarry is one of my fave haunts and I've not been for a while and never after dark so now I have an excuse as its a while since I last saw them on Dunwich Heath in Suffolk....

Despite having the caravan round the corner literally from the Knott and visiting the chippie there more than I should ..... I still haven't managed to go back after dark and have a look! Was told sev years ago now that they are in the gardens on the left of the road as you come into Arnside (sort of the back way) just over the railway line and I reminded myself again that I should get the moth trap going and then have a ride back to Arnside and have a little look.