In New Zealand there is an underground river that draws tourists in, not for the river itself, and certainly not to eat their souls. Though I’m sure the river enjoys chomping on the occasional human sacrifice. Probably. Maybe. Okay, probably not, but it makes for a good story.
Anyway, the draw here is not the underground river, or the network of caves that river travels through. Both are impressive, but this place has something even more awe inspiring. They aren’t called the glow-worm caves for nothing. The image below shows the “glow-worms” that illuminate the cavern ceiling.

Image credit: whereonearth.net
Glow-worms is in quotes above because the “glow-worms” that give this cave its name are anything but. The truth is pretty messed up. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
The “glow-worms” are actually fly larvae and the glow is caused by excretory organs. They produce a thread that catches flies and other insect for these little cannibals to feast on. And in what may be the most disturbing twist: the hungrier these little beasties are, the brighter the glow.
That being the case, if you ever visit you may want to pray for a dim glow lest you be eaten by the locals.
April 28th, 2014 at 10:22 PM
those are on our life list
April 29th, 2014 at 8:12 PM
Awesome. I’d like to get there myself some day.
April 29th, 2014 at 8:19 PM
hopefully next year for us.
April 28th, 2014 at 10:34 PM
Very cool. What’s the messed up part?
April 29th, 2014 at 8:15 PM
You don’t think fly larvae with glowstick-esque butt holes (okay, maybe not technically their butt holes, but close enough) who cannibalize their parents is messed up? You have a very high messed up tolerance, my friend.
April 29th, 2014 at 8:37 PM
The Coast Horned Lizard can shoot blood out of its eyes when threatened. A lot of strange and disturbing stuff out there.
April 29th, 2014 at 8:55 PM
That is true, but I never claimed it was the most messed up thing on the planet. It’s just one of many messed up things.
April 29th, 2014 at 9:21 PM
Good point. Either way, I think I’ll stay inside where nature is as creepy. 🙂
April 28th, 2014 at 11:00 PM
wow. they must be really hungry coz they’re glowing so brightly! 🙂
April 29th, 2014 at 8:17 PM
I find myself wondering if the locals bury the stories of missing tourists who get taken by the “glow worms” in lies and deceit.
April 29th, 2014 at 5:48 AM
Adam, Adam. This was not only instructive but hilarious. XD I guess we humans don’t have to worry unless they really gang up on us.
It’s pretty though in a creepy way.
April 29th, 2014 at 8:18 PM
I have this fear that nature is going to do exactly that some day. All the plants and animals are going to unite and turn on us. We won’t stand a chance.
April 29th, 2014 at 1:05 PM
Interesting. One of my favorite things about blogging is all the places I get to visit that I never knew existed. Thanks. ;0)
Phyllis
April 29th, 2014 at 8:19 PM
You’re welcome. Glad you enjoy my ramblings.
April 29th, 2014 at 7:51 PM
Very pretty excretory organs.
April 29th, 2014 at 8:19 PM
Bet that’s a phrase you never thought you’d say! haha