A photograph of a biofluorescent frog perched atop a bioluminescent mushroom has taken the world by storm, earning the People’s Choice award at the Beaker Street Science Photography Competition 2024. This extraordinary image, captured by photographer Toby Schrapel in Tasmania, brings together two natural phenomena that rarely share the same frame: the eerie green glow of a ghost fungus and the brilliant blue fluorescence of a brown tree frog.
The Magic Behind the Shot Biofluorescent
In this mesmerizing photo, a soft blue light glistens off the skin and eyes of a brown tree frog (Litoria ewingii), as it rests on a funnel-shaped ghost fungus (Omphalotus nidiformis). The ghost fungus, native to Australia and Tasmania, is renowned for its bioluminescent properties, which allow it to emit a green glow in the darkness. Schrapel, who spent weeks searching for the rare fungus, finally found the perfect scene in a pine plantation at Tasmania’s Seven Mile Beach Coastal Reserve.
“When I first saw them together, I knew I had a chance to capture something truly magical,” Schrapel shared. His determination to photograph the elusive ghost fungus paid off when he stumbled upon the scene—an enchanting combination of biofluorescence and bioluminescence that appears almost too surreal to be real.
A Closer Look at the Ghost Fungus
The ghost fungus is a gilled mushroom, meaning it has thin structures under its cap that are responsible for spore dispersal. By day, the mushroom is unassuming, with a pale brown or white trumpet-shaped body. But at night, its gills come alive, glowing a ghostly green due to bioluminescence—a process where a chemical reaction between enzymes and oxygen produces light, similar to the glow of fireflies.
The Elusive Search for the Perfect Shot
After hearing about the ghost fungus from a friend, Schrapel set out on a mission to capture its rare beauty. The search was long and challenging, involving multiple trips to the pine plantation and several nights of exploration. The moment he discovered the frog sitting on the glowing fungus, Schrapel knew he had found something extraordinary. “I was taking a quick shot of a frog on a tree when my friend called out, ‘Toby, here’s one on a mushroom!'” Schrapel recalled. This was the moment that led to his award-winning photograph.
Unveiling the Secrets of Biofluorescence
While many are familiar with bioluminescence, biofluorescence is another fascinating phenomenon. Biofluorescence occurs when a living organism has a chemical surface that absorbs light at one wavelength and re-emits it at another, often in a different color. In the case of the brown tree frog, its skin absorbs ultraviolet (UV) light and re-emits it as a bright blue glow. This unique trait, captured under UV light in Schrapel’s photograph, adds an otherworldly element to the image.
The Intersection of Bioluminescence and Biofluorescence
The simultaneous occurrence of bioluminescence in the fungus and biofluorescence in the frog is a rare sight. Schrapel’s use of a UV torch to reveal the frog’s fluorescent properties created a striking contrast with the ghost fungus’s natural glow, resulting in an image that is both scientifically significant and visually captivating.
The Role of Biofluorescence and Bioluminescence in Nature
Biofluorescence and bioluminescence are found across various species in the animal and plant kingdoms, each serving different purposes. In tree frogs, biofluorescence may play a role in communication or mate selection, though its exact purpose is still under study. Bioluminescence in fungi, on the other hand, remains somewhat mysterious. Some scientists believe the soft glow may attract insects that help disperse spores, aiding in the mushroom’s reproduction.
A Celebration of Nature’s Wonders
The Beaker Street Science Photography Competition 2024 celebrated the intricate beauty and complexity of the natural world. Schrapel’s photograph was announced as the People’s Choice winner on September 8th, standing out among other stunning entries. These included images of endangered red handfish embryos, microscopic algae with armored plates, and a bright red mite with delicate legs—all showcasing the diverse and fragile ecosystems of our planet.
Glimpsing the Future of Red Handfish Conservation
One of the finalists in the competition was a photograph of red handfish (Thymichthys politus) embryos developing in captivity, a significant achievement for the conservation efforts led by the Red Handfish Conservation Team at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS). This rare species, with fewer than 100 adults remaining in the wild, faces an uncertain future. The successful breeding of red handfish in captivity offers hope for the survival of this elusive species, underscoring the importance of ongoing conservation work.
The Microscopic Warriors of the Ocean
Another striking entry in the competition was an image of a coccolithophore, a single-celled organism that drifts through the Southern Ocean. These microscopic algae perform photosynthesis, producing oxygen and contributing to the biological carbon pump—a process that helps regulate atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Photographer Luke Brokensha captured this tiny warrior’s intricate armor using a Scanning Electron Microscope, highlighting the crucial role these organisms play in combating climate change.
The Unseen World of Mites
Ben Travaglini’s photograph of a tiny mite from the subfamily Callidosomatinae was another highlight of the competition. Taken in the dry undergrowth of Hawley Nature Reserve in northern Tasmania, this image reveals the often-overlooked beauty of the micro-world. Mites, though small and fast-moving, are an essential part of the ecosystem, and Travaglini’s work brings their hidden world into the spotlight.
Conclusion
Toby Schrapel’s captivating image of a biofluorescent frog on a biofluorescent mushroom is more than just a photograph; it’s a window into the mysterious and magical world of nature’s glowing wonders. This image, along with the other finalists in the Beaker Street Science Photography Competition, serves as a reminder of the beauty and complexity of the natural world, and the importance of preserving it for future generations.
FAQs
1. What is biofluorescence, and how does it differ from bioluminescence?
Biofluorescence is when an organism absorbs light at one wavelength and re-emits it at another, usually in a different color. Bioluminescence, on the other hand, is the production and emission of light by an organism through a chemical reaction.
2. Where can the ghost fungus be found?
The ghost fungus (Omphalotus nidiformis) is native to Australia and Tasmania, typically found in wooded areas, often growing on decaying wood.
3. What camera equipment is needed to capture biofluorescence?
To capture biofluorescence, you typically need a UV light source and a camera capable of long exposure or high sensitivity to low light, along with a suitable lens for macro photography.
4. How do red handfish differ from other species of fish?
Red handfish are unique for their hand-like fins, which they use to “walk” along the seafloor rather than swimming. This rare and endangered species is found only in a small area of southeastern Tasmania.
5. Why is the study of coccolithophores important?
Coccolithophores play a vital role in the Earth’s carbon cycle by performing photosynthesis and contributing to the biological carbon pump, which helps reduce atmospheric CO2 levels and combat climate change.
