Fauna
Fungus · GBIF taxon 2538075

Ghost Fungus

Omphalotus nidiformis

Also known as Ghost Mushroom

Ghost fungi are striking bioluminescent mushrooms that illuminate nocturnal forests in Australia with an eerie pale green glow emitted from their decurrent gills. Growing in dense, overlapping bracket clusters on decaying hardwoods and conifers, their large fan-shaped caps display a rich palette of cream, orange, purple, and bluish-black tones. The glowing light attracts insects, which help distribute fungal spores throughout the surrounding woodland ecosystem.

BioluminescentGilled FungusWood Decomposer
Ghost Fungus reference1 / 7
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Dead Wood
  • Decaying Trees
  • Organic Matter
Predators
  • Insects
  • Fungus Gnats
  • Slugs
ThreatsLand clearing and removal of dead wood substrates
HabitatsEucalypt forests, woodlands, pine plantations, and urban parks
Life spanFruit bodies last 1–2 weeks; underground mycelium lives for years
Classification
  1. FamilyOmphalotaceae
  2. SpeciesOmphalotus nidiformis
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Toxic if ingested; many wild mushrooms have deadly look-alikes, so never eat wild fungi based on app identification alone.
Why it is dangerous
Contains illudin toxins that cause severe gastrointestinal distress, extreme nausea, and persistent vomiting if ingested.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognized by cream gills that run down the stem, multi-toned fan caps, and a faint green bioluminescent glow in darkness.
What to do
Observe and photograph in dark conditions without harvesting or ingesting any part of the mushroom.
Responsible observation
  • Nighttime Observation: Allow your eyes to adjust to complete darkness for several minutes to view the faint green glow.
  • Substrate Scanning: Look for large bracket clusters on stump bases and dead tree trunks during wet autumn months.
  • Safe Distance: Enjoy photos and illumination without harvesting or tasting wild fungal specimens.
Related species
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