Habitat requirements

Glowworms are active only after dark and so need good cover to conceal themselves from predators. In addition, the female needs a prominent position such as a bank, hummock, tussock or similar feature, to attract a passing male by ‘glowing’. The habitat needs to support a good snail population.

Good practice in helping to conserve Glowworm populations

• Avoid harm to the habitat, use of pesticides or herbicides, or strong artificial lighting of the site.
• Maintain the habitat features and conditions that Glowworms need both as larvae and as adults:
• areas of damp vegetation which support small snails that larvae feed on.
  [adding some limestone piles may support snail numbers]
• cover for larvae and adults: logs with cracks and crevices can provide a refuge
• open areas with vegetation high enough for the glowing adult female to be visible to adult flying males seeking a mate in June, July and August. A sloping a bank can make a glowing female more visible.
• Prevent the site becoming overgrown with scrub, bracken, brambles or even very long grass
• Do not mow or cut back vegetation from the beginning of June to the end of August to avoid harm to the adult Glowworm during the ‘glowing’ season..

Legal Protection

There is no legal protection for Glowworms.

Local Wildlife Sites have a presumption against development but no protection against operations that do not require planning or change of use consent.

Glowworm conservation

Sites which support Glowworms may be unknowingly destroyed and their habitat fragmented. This leads to the extinction of local populations. In Barnsley there is one known site which has Local Wildlife Site status. It is on the Transpennine Trail, a former railway track, owned by Barnsley council with some Glowworms sometimes found on neighbouring land in private hands.

Factors in Loss or Decline

• Habitat loss and areas becoming overgrown or unsuitable
• Use of pesticides and herbicides; pollution
• Loss of food supply (various small snail species)
• Artificial light pollution
• Changes in climate and annual weather conditions

Associated habitats

• Open Mosaic Habitat on Previously Developed Land
• Neutral Grassland
• Built environment & gardens

Links

Buglife: Information

UK Glowworm: Information

 Glowworm