Discovered seven new mushrooms that glow in the dark

Researchers at the State University of San Francisco in the U.S. have discovered seven new species of mushrooms that glow in the dark and increasing the number of species of luminescent fungi from 64 to 71. The discoveries include two new species that have been named after two movements 'Requiem' by Mozart. The findings, published in the journal Mycologia, 'also shed light on the evolution of the luminescence.

The researchers found mushrooms in Belize, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Japan, Malaysia and Puerto Rico. The discoveries include four new and three reports of luminescence in known species. Three quarters of luminous fungi, including those described in the study belong to the genus 'Mycena', a group of fungi that feed on decaying organic matter.

Explains Dennis Desjardin, director of the study, "what interests us is that within the 'Mycena' luminescent species come from 16 lineages, suggesting that the luminescence evolved into a point and that some species after they lost their ability to shine. "

Desjardin think some mushrooms glow to attract nocturnal animals to help disperse the spores and seeds that allow them to grow new bodies.