from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Glowworm \Glow"worm`\, n. (Zool.)
A coleopterous insect of the genus {Lampyris}; esp., the
wingless females and larv[ae] of the two European species
({L. noctiluca}, and {L. splendidula}), which emit light from
some of the abdominal segments.
[1913 Webster]
Like a glowworm in the night,
The which hath fire in darkness, none in light. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
Note: The male is winged, and is supposed to be attracted by
the light of the female. In America, the luminous
larv[ae] of several species of fireflies and fire
beetles are called glowworms. Both sexes of these are
winged when mature. See {Firefly}.
[1913 Webster]