Devon Wildlife Trust research glow worms (From This is The West Country)

Devon Wildlife Trust research glow worms

4:10pm Monday 9th July 2012 in Devon

HAVE you ever seen a real-life glow-worm? That’s the question Devon Wildlife Trust is asking people living in Mid Devon this summer.

According to the Trust, researchers now fear that the glow-worm’s light may be disappearing from our lives forever, with growing evidence suggesting that the creature is dying out.

Once a common night-time sight across Devon’s meadows, grasslands, grass verges and hedgerows, a combination of increased herbicide/ pesticide use and over grass cutting is believed to have destroyed many glow-worm colonies.

Steve Hussey of Devon Wildlife Trust said: “We’re looking for the public to help us assist these wonderful creatures.

Please be on the lookout in your area for the glow-worm’s unique green-yellow light.

“Those planning to go spotting should look in grassy areas. The female glow-worms appear at the end of tall grass stems where they display their glowing abdomen to attract a mate. Glowworm’s can be seen after dark from May through to September, with a peak of activity in July.”

Devon Wildlife Trust hopes that members of the public will contact them with details of their sightings and has set up a special glow-worm survey form online which takes just a couple of minutes to complete.

You can find the form online at www.devonwildlifetrust.org You can also call Devon Wildlife Trust with details of the location and date of your glowworm sighting on 01392-279244.