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Te Papa researcher: Julia Kasper
This research investigates whether glow-worms from different geographic regions are genetically different from one other – by sampling glow-worms from across the country for genetic analyses, and by rearing larvae to adulthood for morphological analysis.
The outcomes will have fundamental scientific value to the study of the ecology of insects with restricted dispersal ability. This research is directly relevant for sustainable conservation management, to iwi and to ongoing management of glow-worm populations subject to tourism.
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Glow-worms in permanent lockdown – long enough for evolution to show?
Glow-worm. Photo by Julia Kasper. Te Papa
Who doesn’t know them, the little stars of Aotearoa – glow-worms? Titiwai, their Māori name refers to lights reflected in water. Who hasn’t been mesmerised by their sparkling light, visiting a cave or seeing them in the bush during a night walk? Insect Curator Julia Kasper talks about her research on the iconic critter with the glowing bum.
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