Fungi luminescing in the dark
Fruiting bodies (also known as mushrooms or toadstools) of the ghost fungus, Omphalotus nidiformis, taken at night, growing in a friend's backyard near where I live. The fruiting bodies grew over the next six days before they started to decompose.
Lighting conditions were not ideal as there was light from a neighbour's house. Ideally, it should be completely dark when photographing the bioluminescence of these fungi.
The gills of the fungus emit green light. However, humans perceive it as white light because we cannot see colour in low light conditions. The camera sensor can pick up the colour. Some processing.
The exact purpose of this bioluminescence is not known but it may be used to attract small insects which then transport the fungus' spores to new areas. I did see some very small insects and an amphipod on the fungus.
The fungus breaks down dead wood by forming a web of fine white root-like hyphae, which are referred to as the mycelium, in the rotting wood.
f/4 ISO 1600 30 secs Pentax 50mm f/1.4 Pentax K-1 MkII (A higher ISO would have been better)
Explored 7 May 2022
Fungi luminescing in the dark
Fruiting bodies (also known as mushrooms or toadstools) of the ghost fungus, Omphalotus nidiformis, taken at night, growing in a friend's backyard near where I live. The fruiting bodies grew over the next six days before they started to decompose.
Lighting conditions were not ideal as there was light from a neighbour's house. Ideally, it should be completely dark when photographing the bioluminescence of these fungi.
The gills of the fungus emit green light. However, humans perceive it as white light because we cannot see colour in low light conditions. The camera sensor can pick up the colour. Some processing.
The exact purpose of this bioluminescence is not known but it may be used to attract small insects which then transport the fungus' spores to new areas. I did see some very small insects and an amphipod on the fungus.
The fungus breaks down dead wood by forming a web of fine white root-like hyphae, which are referred to as the mycelium, in the rotting wood.
f/4 ISO 1600 30 secs Pentax 50mm f/1.4 Pentax K-1 MkII (A higher ISO would have been better)
Explored 7 May 2022