[x]

Browse More Like This

More from *melvynyeo

View Gallery · View Prints

Featured in Groups:

#Scientist-Artists

#Glowing-in-the-Dark
~ Glow ~

Details

Submitted: October 30, 2011
Image Size: 214 KB
Resolution: 960×640

Link

Thumb

Statistics

Comments: 26
Favourites: 151 [who?]
Views: 1,577 (0 today)
Downloads: 261 (0 today)

[x]

Bioluminescent Fungiby *melvynyeo

Photography / Macro / Nature

Foxfire, also sometimes referred to as "fairy fire", is the bioluminescence created by some species of fungi present in decaying wood. The bluish green glow is attributed to luciferase, an oxidizing agent, which emits light as it reacts with luciferin. Although the purpose is unknown, it is widely believed that the light is meant to attract insects to spread its spores or act as a warning to hungry animals, similar to the bright colors exhibited by some species of animals. Although generally very dim, in some cases it can be bright enough to read by.

Source [link]