FungiHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NEInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Not Evaluated — not yet assessed against the IUCN Red List criteria.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Mycena lux-coeli
Bioluminescent Mushroom
Corner, 1954
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Small and delicate fungus with a conical or bell-shaped cap, brownish-gray to pale during the day. Its most amazing feature is the neon green bioluminescence it emits in the dark, a product of a chemical reaction in its mycelium and fruiting body.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
Seta de luz celestial
ShirokikurageForest star
Shikuwasa-takeTaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Basidiomycota
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Agaricomycetes
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Agaricales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Mycenaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Mycena
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Corner, 1954
Record Completeness
91%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Endemic
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Unknown
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
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EdibilityWhether this mushroom is edible, toxic, hallucinogenic, or of unknown safety. Never eat based solely on this data.
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Cap ShapeShape of the mushroom cap (pileus): convex, flat, umbonate, funnel-shaped, bell-shaped, etc.
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Hymenium TypeThe spore-bearing surface of a fungus: gills, pores, teeth, ridges, smooth, or wrinkled.
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Fruiting SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Wet Season
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Species with limited distribution, primarily on Yakushima Island in Japan. It inhabits subtropical humid forests, growing almost exclusively on fallen logs of Chinquapin trees (Castanopsis sieboldii) during the rainy season.SubstrateThe organic material or host organism this fungus colonizes and decomposes. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
It is a saprotrophic fungus specialized in Chinquapin wood. Its luminescence is constant during the fruiting body's life but intensifies with environmental humidity. It is believed the light attracts nocturnal insects that help disperse its spores.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
1.0 - 3.0 cm
Hymenium StructuresMacro photographs of the spore-bearing surfaces used for mushroom identification.
No hymenium surface images available.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Luciferin-luciferase bioluminescence that can be seen from dozens of meters in total darkness.
Extremely fragile fruiting body that quickly disintegrates after sporulation to avoid desiccation.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Excessive tourism in Yakushima that can trample mycelium on the forest floor.
Extreme sensitivity to light pollution, which could interfere with its light-attracted biological processes.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The name 'lux-coeli' means 'light of heaven' in Latin, referring to its stellar glow.
It is a popular destination for night nature photographers during the 'Glow Mushroom Season' in Japan.