Witomo, "The Glowing Caves" in New Zealand

The caves of Witomo fireflies exist more than two million years, and now tourists can see how insects react to light.

A natural landmark is in New Zealand in the northwest of the city of Te-Quiti. The miraculous miracle of the world consists of two levels and has impressive acoustic characteristics. The luminous effect is created by the mushroom mosquitoes Arachnocampa Luminosa, which live only in caves and grottoes. So they attract small bugs, which form the basis of their daily diet.

Mushroom mosquitoes are common only in the territories of New Zealand and Australia. Their clusters are like a starry sky, fascinating with its beauty. Mosquitoes live no more than 12 months. Adult individuals reach a length of 30 mm. The unusual glow of insects becomes brighter as their sense of hunger intensifies. After eating mosquitoes begin to weave nets like spiders.

It is worth noting that there are almost no such places in the world, since this type of mosquito - fireflies, is based exclusively in New Zealand. Millions of representatives of these small creatures have clung to the "ceiling" of caves and give out a light green glow that resembles a starry sky, although here everything is much more beautiful. In addition to fireflies themselves, the caves are also rich in stalactites and stalagmites, and there are about 150 of them here, so they will have to look at what the tourist will see. The incredible view that opens to travelers is remembered for life.

Note that the first exploration of the Waitomo caves began in 1887. The unique relief was formed not for one million years from the outgrowths of corals, bones of sea inhabitants and shells, and sea water made intricate moves. If you make a loud sound, the mushroom mosquitoes abruptly stop the glow, and the grotto plunges into pitch darkness. Since 1889, caves near the city of Te-Quiti have been open to tourists, and to date they have been improved, creating a comfortable environment for sightseeing.