Some glow only in the mycelium because "being able to glow" is not just one on/off trait. It depends on where the fungus makes the whole light-producing pathway: the enzyme, luciferin precursor, oxygen access, cellular membrance, and regulatory signals.
A species can possess the biochemical machinery for bioluminescence but express it mainly in vegetative hyphae instead of just the cap or gills.
Environment matters too but mostly as a dimmer switch (humidity, temp, oxygen, development stage, age, nutrient status, time can affect intensity as well). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4382382/
An idea is that insects are attracted (esp to fruiting bodies). Experiments w/illuminated mushroom models found more beetles, flies, ants/wasps, and true bugs were attacted to lit models compared to the dark control - likely benefit is spore disperal.
The mycelium-only glow is harder to explain - plausible functions could include attracting small athropods that spread spores, lure animals towards more suitable woody microhabitats, deterring fungivores, attracting predcators of fungivores, or just being a byproduct of oxidative metabolism involved in wood decay. https://www.mdpi.com/2309-608X/11/1/19
She tolerates my obsession. NZ has a network of DOC (Department of Conservation) campgrounds throughout the entire country - powered and unpowered sites with communal kitchen, bathrooms, etc. Also, lots of freedom camping spots and an entire backcountry hut network. Lots of options to campout!
Look at those marginate gills! So cool
Why is their mycelium bioluminescent? What purpose does it serve the species?
Some glow only in the mycelium because "being able to glow" is not just one on/off trait. It depends on where the fungus makes the whole light-producing pathway: the enzyme, luciferin precursor, oxygen access, cellular membrance, and regulatory signals.
A species can possess the biochemical machinery for bioluminescence but express it mainly in vegetative hyphae instead of just the cap or gills.
There is a lot more - I highly recommend this podcast episode w/Dr. Brian Perry: https://www.welcometomushroomhour.com/blogs/podcasts/ep-91-bioluminescent-fungi-mysterious-endophytes-the-mushrooms-of-vanuatu-feat-dr-brian-perry
Environment matters too but mostly as a dimmer switch (humidity, temp, oxygen, development stage, age, nutrient status, time can affect intensity as well). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4382382/
An idea is that insects are attracted (esp to fruiting bodies). Experiments w/illuminated mushroom models found more beetles, flies, ants/wasps, and true bugs were attacted to lit models compared to the dark control - likely benefit is spore disperal.
The mycelium-only glow is harder to explain - plausible functions could include attracting small athropods that spread spores, lure animals towards more suitable woody microhabitats, deterring fungivores, attracting predcators of fungivores, or just being a byproduct of oxidative metabolism involved in wood decay. https://www.mdpi.com/2309-608X/11/1/19
WOW! Mahalo!
They’re so perfect & magical
So cool!! What a privilege to meet them 🥰 I'd love to explore the mushrooms of NZ one day
🤠
So cool.
These are so cool! Never knew about them! Thanks for sharing!
Does your wife love mushrooms as much as you? You seem to get great camping spots. Uncle, Kenny
She tolerates my obsession. NZ has a network of DOC (Department of Conservation) campgrounds throughout the entire country - powered and unpowered sites with communal kitchen, bathrooms, etc. Also, lots of freedom camping spots and an entire backcountry hut network. Lots of options to campout!
Congratulations! Amazing find!
Wonderful! So rewarding. Thanks so much for sharing.