Male glowworms are small, winged beetles. Glowworms are part of the few native insects to the area that light up. Entomologists like Sutherland have been trying to collect the insects for their records. To help, amateur collectors should look at night in grassy or weedy areas. Once glowworms have been spotted, collectors just have to pick them up, Sutherland said.
Live specimens are preferred.
Once caught, the insects should be put in a small container with a piece of paper towel that has a drop of water on it. If dead specimens are collected, they should be placed in a small container of rubbing alcohol. Collected glowworms can be sent to Sutherland at the Extension Plant Sciences Department, Box 30003, MSC 3AE, Las Cruces, NM 88003-8003, or delivered to room 130 Gerald Thomas Hall on the NMSU campus.