The trap that glows

摘要

BENEATH this starry sky is a spectacular work of nature with a sinister twist. The glittery rock is an abandoned termite mound taken over by firefly larvae. They dig tiny U-shaped burrows in the mound's surface, from where they glow bright green at night using bioluminescent chemicals in their heads. By wiggling this light around, the larvae lure flying prey such as butterflies, winged termites and ants to theirdeaths. In the foreground, a curious anteater sniffs around for prey of its own.