Foxfire is the bioluminescence created by some species of fungi that grow on decaying wood.  |
| Omphalotus nidiformis, or ghost fungus. Louise Docker Sydney Australia/ Getty Images |
“The purpose of fungi’s bioluminescent function remains unclear, but some species use it to attract insects that might help spread its spores. Prior to electricity, people harvested foxfire to read by its light at night. Early submarines mounted it behind glass. Its chemical compounds are used to track things in the human body like infections and cancer cells. Historically, logs alight with foxfire were arranged on the ground to outline nocturnal paths.”
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