'Record' number of glow-worms found at quarry

A "record" number of female glow-worms have been found in Rutland despite a "huge decline" in numbers of the insect over the last 30 years.

Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust (LRWT) said 86 glowing females and eight males were found at Ketton Quarry last week, a record count for females on any one site in Rutland.

According to the trust, although glow-worms emit light at all stages of their life cycle, it is only adult females that "really glow".

Tim Sexton, from LRWT, said the increase in numbers is due to the "very warm and wet" summer last year, which is "perfect" for snails, the food source of glow worm larvae.

He added that glow-worms - a type of beetle - can live for up to two years as larvae, during which they eat snails and slugs "voraciously", but only survive for a week in adult form.

Mr Sexton told the BBC the trust recorded a maximum of 35 glowing females last year at Ketton Quarry and said the number found so far in 2025 is "much better" than in any of the previous five years.

According to the trust, the "glowing" females are only visible from May to the end of July.

Mr Sexton added: "Their amazing ability to to emit light really inspires wonder and reminds us of the magic that's in the natural world that's worth protecting."

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