foxfire

fungus

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June 26, 2026

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Foxfire refers to an eerie, phosphorescent light, often seen emanating from decaying wood. This phenomenon is caused by certain luminous fungi, such as Panellus stipticus. Over 70 species of fungi are known to be bioluminescent, glowing continuously, though their light is most apparent in darkness. This glow can serve various purposes for the fungi, including repelling predators, attracting insects for spore dispersal, or as a byproduct of their metabolism as they break down wood. The term "foxfire" specifically describes the glowing of rotting wood caused by these fungi.12

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bioluminescence
The range and variety of bioluminescent organisms
Small whitish luminous fungi (“foxfire”) commonly grow on deadwood in forests, particularly where the ground is moist and wet; these forms predominate in the tropics. The light of fungi ranges from blue to green and yellow, depending on the species. Among the large luminous forms are the ghost fungus…
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Small whitish luminous fungi (“foxfire”) commonly grow on deadwood in forests, particularly where the ground is moist and wet; these forms predominate in the tropics. The light of fungi ranges from blue to green and yellow, depending on the species. Among the large luminous forms are the ghost fungus…
Read More