noun
Refers to a type of fungus gnat (family Mycetophilidae) whose larvae are bioluminescent, often found in caves or damp forests. The English term 'glowworm' can also refer to other luminous insects, so context may be needed.
洞窟の中でヒカリキノコバエの幼虫が青白く光っていた。
Inside the cave, the larvae of the glowworm were glowing pale blue.
Katakana spelling is the most common written form for this insect name.
Kanji spelling is rare and may not be widely recognized; the word is usually written in kana.
Compound of 光 (ひかり, 'light') + キノコバエ (fungus gnat). The name describes the bioluminescent larvae of this gnat.