Omphalotus olearius
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| Omphalotus olearius (DC. ex Fr.) Sing. |
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The jack o'lantern mushroom (Omphalotus olearius) is an orange to red gill mushroom that is similar in appearance to the chanterelle, and most notable for its bioluminescent properties. Previous names include Omphalotus illudens and Clitocybe illudens. Unlike the chanterelle, the jack o'lantern mushroom is very poisonous. While not lethal, consuming this mushroom leads to very severe cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea. Complicating its toxicity is the fact that it smells and looks very appealing, to the extent that there are reports of repeat poisonings from individuals who were tempted to try them a second time.
Its bioluminescence is generally only observable in low-light conditions with acclimated eyes. The whole mushroom doesn't glow—only the gills. This is due to luciferase, the same type of chemical that fireflies use to glow. However, in this case, the luciferase is a waste product, and is transported to the gills to get it out of the mushroom. There have been anecdotal reports of glowing spore-clouds being released by the mushrooms at night. It is possible that some traditional reports of "Will o the wisp" are due to this bioluminescent sporulation.
Unlike the chanterelle, the jack o'lantern has true, sharp, non-forking gills; this is the only "simple" trait for distinguishing between the two.
[edit] Description
The Jack-o-Lantern mushroom's fruiting body (its stem and cap) is an orange color. It grows only in October and November, notably around Halloween. Underneath the cap is its well known glowing color, which glows in a blue-green color.
[edit] Similar Species
The poisonous mushroom Tsukiyotake (月夜茸, ex.Lampteromyces japonicus (Kawam.) Sing.) found in Japan emits light similar to that of the jack o'lantern mushroom, and contains the same poison (Illudin). It was confirmed that Tsukiyotake was a companion of jack o'lantern mushroom in 2003, and was given the scientific name (Omphalotus guepiniformis (Berk.) Neda)[1]. The poisonous Western jack o'lantern mushroom, Omphalotus olivascens is abundant in South & Central California, it is also similar to the chanterelle but can be distinguished as its flesh is never white.
