Scientists discovered that some mushrooms glow at night to attract insects that might help spread fungal spores for reproduction, according to a study released by the Current Biology journal on Thursday.

It was only until recently that researchers discovered the purpose of this unique property among bioluminescent mushrooms (Neonothopanus gardneri), which have been in existence since ancient times.

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"It appears that fungi make light so they are noticed by insects who can help the fungus colonize new habitats," said Jay Dunlap, Geisel School of Medicine biologist and senior researcher.

Spore germination and humidity are greatest at night so spore dispersal is most active at this time.

Dunlap and his team tested their hypothesis by creating fake mushrooms powered by green LED lights and placed them in a coconut forest at night. The fakes attracted more arthropods like wasps, beetles and ants than non-bioluminescent mushrooms did.

Apparently, N. gardneri needs help in fungal spore dispersion as it experiences little wind at the base of young palm trees where it grows. When it attracts these insects, its spores attach to their bodies and are carried in other areas.

But this isn't the only unique thing about this glowing mushroom. At night, it turns on its very luminous light and turns it off during the day. It can regulate its own glow schedule through an adaptive function.

In this case, temperature is responsible for the ghostly green glow it emits at night, according to Dunlap, who specializes in circadian rhythm research. Circadian control optimizes use of energy when the glow is most intense.

In contrast, the other 70 glowing mushrooms emit light continuously with the use of energy and oxygen, according to the paper.

Bioluminescence also occurs in organisms like insects, bacteria and sea creatures for varied purposes. If glowing fungi use it for reproduction, others use it as a defense mechanism, to get food or attract a mate.

TagsFungi, mushroom, Current Biology, Jay Dunlap