What mushroom glows in the dark?

Several types of mushrooms are known to glow in the dark, a phenomenon called bioluminescence. These mushrooms produce light due to chemical reactions within their cells, often to attract insects or animals for spore dispersal. Here are a few examples of glowing mushrooms:

1. Mycena lucentipes (Bioluminescent Mycena)

• Description: Mycena lucentipes is a small, delicate mushroom known for its bright greenish glow. It typically grows on decaying wood and can be found in temperate regions. This mushroom is one of the most well-known bioluminescent species and emits a soft greenish-blue light.
• Glow: The glow of Mycena lucentipes is quite visible in dark environments, and it is often seen in large clusters, creating an ethereal glow in the forest floor.

2. Armillaria mellea (Honey Mushroom)

• Description: The Honey Mushroom is a parasitic fungus that can grow in large clusters on trees. While it is not as intensely bioluminescent as some other species, it does exhibit a faint glow in the dark, typically visible in damp, dark environments.
• Glow: The glow from this mushroom is much subtler than others and is more commonly observed in the mycelium (the underground network of the fungus) rather than the fruiting body (the mushroom itself).

3. Panellus stipticus (Bitter Oyster Mushroom)

• Description: This mushroom is known for its bioluminescent properties, especially in its mature stages. It is typically found on decaying wood in forests and emits a greenish glow.
• Glow: The glow is particularly noticeable when the mushroom is touched or disturbed. It is often used as a natural example of bioluminescence in scientific studies.

4. Mycena chlorophos (Green Mycena)

• Description: Another bioluminescent species in the Mycena genus, Mycena chlorophos is known for its glowing cap and is found primarily in tropical and subtropical regions, such as parts of Asia.
• Glow: This mushroom emits a bright green glow, which is particularly visible at night in damp environments. It is often found growing on decayed wood or plant material.

5. Fomes formentarius (Tinder Fungus)

• Description: Fomes formentarius is a type of fungus that grows on the bark of trees. While not widely known for its glow, it does have bioluminescent properties in certain conditions.
• Glow: It emits a faint glow, particularly when it is fresh and moist.

6. Bioluminescent Mushrooms and Their Mechanism

• The bioluminescence in mushrooms is caused by the presence of an enzyme called luciferase and a molecule called luciferin. When luciferase acts on luciferin in the presence of oxygen, it causes a chemical reaction that releases light.
• This phenomenon is thought to serve various purposes, such as attracting insects to help spread the spores or deterring predators by making the mushroom more noticeable.

Conclusion:

The most famous bioluminescent mushrooms include Mycena lucentipes, Armillaria mellea (Honey Mushroom), and Panellus stipticus (Bitter Oyster Mushroom). These fungi glow in the dark due to bioluminescence, and their glow is often a soft green or blue color. If you're looking to witness glowing mushrooms, areas with damp, decaying wood in temperate or tropical climates are the most likely locations to find them.