Any glow worm experts.

[tracker]

Hi.
On two different damp nights this week, we have seen little glowing lights coming from an old outside toilet roof(about half-dozen Tuesday night only two last night). The nearest we can get to the area is about 40 feet because it is a secure yard. This has only happened when it’s been raining with no sight of them on dry nights.
The lights are like a little lighthouse glowing every now and then, one would light and go dark as another would start to display. I have look at this roof with binoculars through the day and there are no fairy lights or any manmade lights at all also no power supply to the outside toilet. Could it be glow worms displaying or something else?
Sorry about the longwinded affair, PS:No beer was involved either.

[triops]

Hi tracker,

You need to be nearer but, sadly, it sounds as if raindrops or dewdrops are refracting lights from a distance. Possibly even car lights as they seem to be going on and off. (I've been disappointed in the past!). To see glowworms go to a local wood or wild area and walk in the dark........... they are unmistakable, and well worth the effort. Good luck! Let us know what you find?

[tracker]

Yes I understand what you are saying but all that has been put into account. I have looked at this from every angle accept right on top. No car light (it’s in a alley) yes a street lamp but the glow was definitely a glow, nothing over the top for anything to drop onto the roof also it was happening to frequent for it to be reflections from rain drops. I have seen some things in the past but this has me stump, but long may it continue because it is brilliant to see, what ever it is. but thanks triops for your input.

[Jim Ford]

Glow worms glow a greenish colour. Are 'your' lights like that?



Jim

[tracker]

Like a said earlier, the nearest I can get to the glow is 40 feet. They look orangey white. I didn’t have my binoculars at the time, but I will catch them if it is the last thing I do. If the neighbours see me they will think I’ve gone mad or a voyeur

[Barry3]

Hi Tracker
Almost certainly refracted light. The habitat preference is uncut grassland with a food supply of Brown Lipped Snails. Now is a good time to find Glow-worms,check local wildlife groups for Glow-worm walks. What is your location.
Barry

[animartco]

First Barry three, could you possibly post up a photo of a brown lipped snail? Want to check I have them in the garden. Would be much appreciated'
Tracker perhaps there is a weak lightbulb inside the building shining through folliage through holes in the roof? Glow worms don't actually glow enough to light anything else. They are tiny pinpricks of green coloured light, like weak green LEDs. Yes they do appear to switch off and on from minute to minute. They don't flicker though. Forty feet is not to far. I have seen them from that distance on a railway embankment. But the main reason yours don't sound like glow worms is because you say it only happens on rainy nights.

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by animartco

First Barry three, could you possibly post up a photo of a brown lipped snail? Want to check I have them in the garden. Would be much appreciated'

Plenty in the Gallery!

eg.:




Jim

[tracker]

Hello Barry.
I know it is a very unlikely place to find glow worms but, I have been talking to the person this morning who owns the yard were these mystery glowing has been happening from & I told her about that glow worm larva eat small snails, her reply was that she has found small empty snail shells in the yard. So it could just be the some worms fingers crossed.

[Barry3]

Hi Animartco
Here is a web page showing variations of Brown lipped Snails
Barry
Brown Lipped Snail (Cepaea nemoralis)