He said the larval stage formed "horrible tumour-like growths", so using cancer drugs may provide a "very attractive vulnerability".

BBC: 'Weakness mining' for tapeworm drugs

However, people can get the far more dangerous larval stage of the parasite, which forms cysts throughout the body, including the brain.

BBC: 'Weakness mining' for tapeworm drugs

The lights are actually emitted by the larval stage of a primitive fly species, Arachnocampa flava, which is found only in Australia and New Zealand.

BBC: Exploring Queensland��s rainforest hinterland