When we think of bioluminescence, the ability of a living creature to "light" itself or with the help of a symbiote, we usually recall a firefly, but in the nature there are many fascinating bioluminescent organisms!
I'm gonna introduce you with few of them, hope you'll like it!
1. BIOLUMINESCENT MUSHROOMS
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Bioluminescent mashrooms are found in moderate and tropical climatic conditions. More than 70 species of this fungus have been discovered so far, and they all belong to the family of Agaricaceae. But all these mushrooms do not light up enought to be able to see them in the dusk and even in the dark, but only under a microscope, but because some of them produce enough light, they can be noticeable even during the day!
One of these is Panellus stipticus (pictured above), known as bitter oysters. These mushrooms do not light only in the misty darkness, but even when the light is slightly dim.
2. Watasenia scintillans (Firefly squid)
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Also known as lighter squid or squid firefly, is the only species in Watasenia. Her body is covered with small dots, cells that produce light and allow her to show the pattern wherever she wants (how amazing is that?!). For example, during the day, they only "inflamed" the lower cells, for better camouflage and hide from the predators that stumble underneath. In the mating season they are fully lit up to attract a partner!
3. Noctiluca scintillans (Sea spark)
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This organism is a species that brightens when they're disturbed. These tiny organisms can be found all over the world, often along the coast. Sometimes, when waves disturb them, they create an enchanting sight: colors the entire beach in a neon blue light that simply leaves no breath. Sounds and looks beautiful!
One example of their activity can still be seen in Gippsland Lakes in Australia (picture above). Although the light is not as intense as before, Noctilus scintillans are still at times alarmed and thrilled by all random passers-by.
4. Arachnocampa luminosa
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Arachnocampa luminosa is a species of small flies that has bioluminescence larvae. They are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Waitomo Glowworm Caves, a cave located in Waitomo, in the northern part of New Zealand, whose ceiling looks like a nighttime summer sky with countless stars.
These organisms are endemic to New Zealand, and next to Waitomo Glowworm Caves can be found on several locations in the north and south of the island . Since they live in areas where people are intensely growing livestock and grass, their natural habitat is decreasing year after year (unfortunately, right?).
5. ANGLERFISH
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This angry-looking deep sea anglerfish lives in what is easily Earth's most inhospitable habitat: the lonely, lightness bottom of the sea (sooo sad 😢).
Their most distinctive feature (worn only by females), is a piece of dorsal spine that protrudes above their mouths like a fishing pole.
Anglerfish have a lighted, dangling lure that looks like a fat, juicy worm. The glow comes from luminous bacteria that live in its lure. Pretty amazing!
Down below you can look at an excellent short video that shows bioluminescence through a fun and somewhat childish way. Enjoy!
I hope you find this article interesting and you wanna see more fascinanting facts about bioluminescence, cause my next blog is going to be about glowing trees, whether they exist and if they do, what would that mean for the future time? 🌳🌲