New species of glowing mushrooms named after Mozart's Requiem
Jeremy Hancemongabay.com
October 14, 2009
The glowing fungi species—seven in total—were discovered in surveys around the world, including Belize, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Japan, Malaysia, and Puerto Rico. Four of the species are completely new to science—including the two named after the Requiem—while the other three were known, but their luminescent properties came as a surprise.
 Top: cutting the tiger loose. Bottom: readying the animal for transport. Photos by WWF-Malaysia. |
Desjardin's discoveries raise the number of known luminescent fungi species from 64 to 71. The new tiny mushroom species—measuring about a centimeter across—glow continuously with a yellowish-green light. Desjardin says that he believes the mushrooms evolved luminescence in order to attract nocturnal animals to facilitate dispersion of the mushroom's spores.
An avid mycologist, Desjardin has uncovered more than 200 new fungi species and nearly a quarter of all glowing mushrooms.
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