Waitomo Glowworm Cave Food Web
Cave
North Island, New Zealand — Waitomo region
Description
Waitomo Caves in New Zealand host a unique food web centered on the bioluminescent glowworm Arachnocampa luminosa. These cave-dwelling fungus gnat larvae produce light to attract flying insects into sticky silk threads. The cave food web depends on organic input from the surface river system that flows through the limestone passages.
Trophic Pyramid
Level 5
Decomposers
Cave fungi
Bacteria
Micro-invertebrates
3 species
Level 4
Tertiary Consumers
Glowworm adults (predatory)
Large cave spiders
2 species
Level 3
Secondary Consumers
Glowworm larvae
Cave spiders
Harvestmen
3 species
Level 2
Primary Consumers
Cave midges
Springtails
Fungus gnats
3 species
Level 1
Producers
Imported organic matter
Cave biofilm
River-borne detritus
3 species
Apex Predators
Tertiary Consumers
Secondary Consumers
Primary Consumers
Producers
Key Interactions
- Glowworm larvae produce bioluminescence to lure flying insects into sticky silk snares
- River flow imports organic matter that supports the base of the cave food web
- Glowworms space themselves to maximize prey capture and minimize light competition
- Tourist CO2 and heat can disrupt the delicate cave microclimate affecting glowworm populations