Spenceriella gigantea
This is not just the longest earthworm in New Zealand; it’s also our longest terrestrial invertebrate. It’s also a comparatively hairy worm and produces a yellow-orange glow.
The North Auckland worm can reach up to 1.4 metres in length and are over a centimetre in diameter. Not only is it very long, but it is also much hairier than normal’ earthworms and has been described as feeling unshaven when touched.
Found in forest in mid to southern Northland, these worms are rarely seen as they are usually burrowing a few metres below the leaf litter. However, like other earthworms, heavy rains may temporarily force them out of their burrows to avoid drowning. These worms are known to be eaten by kiwi-nui (North Island brown kiwi) although it is thought that kiwi can only nip the ends off these very long worms with the rest of the body remaining underground.
Several large New Zealand earthworm species can glow, including this one. They have no eyes to see, live deep underground, and unlike a glowworm (which is a fly larva), they aren’t trying to attract prey. Why they glow remains a mystery.
Check these links for more info on the North Auckland Worm in NZ
Wikipedia: Information on Spenceriella gigantea
Predator Free NZ: Underground giant glows in the dark but is rarely seen
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