Bioluminescence is an incredible awesome evolutionary adaptation that has evolved independently multiple times. Bioluminescence is the production and emission of light by a living organism. While many of these creatures live in the dark deep ocean, not all of them do. One famous example of bioluminescence is that of fireflies (many people will have seen fireflies in their backyard).
Bioluminescence is found widely in marine vertebrates and invertebrates, as well as terrestrial insects like fireflies as well as glowworms. But it's not just animals, it's also some fungi and even some bioluminescent bacteria.
About Bioluminescence
Bioluminescence is produced by a chemical reaction within the living creatures. It is a type of chemiluminescent (the fancy word for a chemical reaction that produces light). It is also a "cold light" meaning that less than 20% of the light generates thermal radiation or heat.
It is an adaptation to hunt, prey, find mates, defend against predators, and other such functions.
40 Times: The Number of Known times Bioluminescence Has Developed In Evolutionary History
The colors also change from marine to terrestrial environments. In the ocean, most light is expressed in the blue-green part of the spectrum whereas on land it's mostly in the yellow spectrum. According to National Geographic:
"Most marine bioluminescence, for instance, is expressed in the blue-green part of the visible light spectrum. These colors are more easily visible in the deep ocean. Also, most marine organisms are sensitive only to blue-green colors. They are physically unable to process yellow, red, or violet colors."
In The Ocean - Sparkling Ocean Surfaces
Most of the world's bioluminescent organisms live in the ocean. These include bacteria, fish, and jellyfish. While the jellyfish in Jellyfish Lake Palau may not be bioluminescent, pictures show just how incredible swarms of these creatures really can be.
One of the most spectacular displays of bioluminescence that tourists can discover is that of bioluminescent dinoflagellates (a type of plankton). These tiny marine organisms can put on a stunning display making the surface of the ocean sparkle at night.
These ecosystems of bioluminescent dinoflagellates are rare and mostly form in warm-water lagoons that have narrow openings to the open sea. The narrow opening prevents them from escaping and at times the whole lagoon can be illuminated at night.
Where: Mostly In Warmer Waters and In Lagoons
Typically these displays only last for short periods of time - so don't just go to a bioluminescent hotspot and expect there to be a show on. One way to catch a display is to follow the hashtags #bio2022 or #bioluminescence on social media.
When: Famously Unpredictable
Tip: Follow Hashtags #bio2022 or #bioluminescence on Social Media
Oceans sparkling with bioluminescence can be seen off Kenya's tropical coastline at night and many other tropical and warmer locations around the world (even in Malta).
In California, San Diego is reported to be one of the world's best places to see the bioluminescent glow. They can also be seen at Point Reyes National Seashore. Unfortunately, these displays are famously unpredictable (it was seen in Southern California in March 2021).
In Australia, Jervis Bay is one of the few places in the country where one can see the oceans sparkle with bioluminescence. In June 2020, Australians got to enjoy one of the brightest displays ever.
On Land And In Caves - See Glowworms
Fungi and fireflies are some of the organisms that produce bioluminescence on land. One of the most spectacular displays on land can be found in caves with glowworms. Glowworm is the common name for various groups of insect larvae that glow with bioluminescence.
New Zealand is particularly famous for its glowworm caves and seeing this bioluminescent display of nature is one of the leading attractions in the country.
Glowworm Caves: Visit Waitomo Caves and Te Anau Glowworm Caves In New Zealand
Two of the most popular caves in New Zealand are the Waitomo Caves in the North Island and the Te Anau Caves in the South Island. Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park - New Zealand's largest national park with some of New Zealand's most iconic landscapes.
The Waitomo Caves are made up of three different caves of which the Glowworm Caves are the most famous. They have been a tourist attraction for over 130 years. Here one can go on a Waitomo Glowworm Cave tour and walk through and marvel at the system's tallest chamber "the Cathedral" and then embark on a boat ride through the glowworm grotto.
Silence: While Seeing The Glowworms Everyone Must Be Silent Otherwise The Lights Go Out
Duration: One Hour
Price:
Adult: NZD $55 (Weekend), NZD $44 (Weekday)
Child: NZD $25 (Weekend), NZD $20 (Weekday)