The Glow-worm

The Natural History of Lampyris noctiluca

John Tyler

Comprehensive and up-to-date summary of the latest Glow-worm research.
Stunning photography illustrating almost every aspect of the Glow-worm’s life, including at the microscopic level.
Glow-worm structure, behaviour, evolution and ecology for anyone with an interest in wildlife.

Subject: zoology ecology entomology

Tags:

beetles
bioluminescence
coleoptera
Coming Soon
ecology
entomology
glow-worm

Description

The almost unnaturally bright light of the Glow-worm has puzzled, charmed and fascinated generations of poets, artists, scientists and nature lovers. But now, this enigmatic species is in decline and under threat.

This book describes the life of Lampyris noctiluca, how it feeds, grows, defends itself and breeds; its natural enemies, its evolution, and how and why it produces that remarkable and vivid light. Details of Glow-worm habitat, ecology and conservation are also considered. The closing chapters look at some of the questions still waiting to be answered, and give practical advice on how the reader may discover Glow-worms for themselves.

By keeping technical jargon to a minimum while maintaining scientific accuracy, this richly illustrated book will appeal to everyone – from professional researchers, amateur entomologists and wildlife enthusiasts to the person simply noticing a bright green glow when walking in the countryside at night and wanting to know more about the fascinating insect that creates it.

DOI: 10.53061/LLDO4644

Reviews

John Tyler’s book provides a comprehensive account of all stages in the life of the glow worm, from egg to adult, weaving together information from fundamental natural history observation with cutting-edge science in a highly accessible format. No-one is better equipped than the author to impart the magic and wonder of these delicate insects at the same time as sounding the alarm about their decline as the British countryside becomes less and less hospitable for them.
—Alan Stewart, Emeritus Professor, University of Sussex and Honorary Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society
John Tyler’s work on glow-worms has inspired generations of naturalists and researchers. This greatly expanded new edition is a landmark synthesis of decades of observation and discovery, revealing the extraordinary life cycle of Lampyris noctiluca from egg to adult. Combining meticulous natural history with engaging storytelling, it is both a scientific milestone and a deeply engaging celebration of one of Europe’s most enchanting insects.
—Dr Raphaël De Cock, Associate Firefly Researcher, University of Antwerp
John Tyler’s The Glow-worm is a must-have book for anyone who appreciates the never-ending magic and mystery of nature. The unique photos and vast knowledge offered is applicable across the firefly and insect and kingdom of all living things. Tyler draws on decades of his own research and that of many others and provides the reader with detailed references to dig even deeper.
—Lynn Faust, author of Fireflies, Glow-worms, and Lightning Bugs; Identification and Natural History of the Fireflies of the Eastern and Central United States and Canada

About the Author

John Tyler studied Zoology at St Peter’s College, Oxford before working in nature conservation for over 40 years, specialising in habitat creation, invertebrate surveying and environmental education. He has always had a particular fondness for insects and is a former Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society.