"Magic is the orchestra of the unseen.”
- Jon Finch
Expeditions
We are on a mission to document Biofluorescence in as many different habitats as possible. With so little research and exploration having been done there are new discoveries to be made all around the world. Biofluorescence is a great tool to support species surveys, discover new species, and to support global efforts to document biodiversity before it is gone.
Who knows what glowing wonders are waiting to be uncovered in a habitat near you!
Malaysia
Malaysia, nestled within the world-renowned Coral Triangle, boasts incredible biodiversity both above and below the water. Its ancient tropical rainforests and vibrant coral reefs create a haven for biofluorescent organisms.
We are currently collaborating with local universities and NGOs on exciting projects exploring biofluorescence. Our research has already yielded discoveries, including the remarkable Nepenthes rafflesiana pitcher plant (pictured left). While biofluorescence in pitcher plants is not a new concept, this species is, to our knowledge, the first documented example exhibiting multiple fluorescent colors within a single pitcher.
Queensland, Australia
In late 2024, we embarked on an expedition to Queensland and Tasmania, Australia, to investigate biofluorescence. Our Queensland fieldwork focused on the Daintree Rainforest, the oldest living rainforest on Earth. Within the coastal swamps, we encountered the peppermint stick insect, a master of camouflage that reveals a vibrant blue fluorescence under UV light. A usually well camouflaged species, this is another example of the important role fluorescence can play as a valuable tool for researchers studying stick insects and other cryptic species, aiding in their detection and observation.
Tasmania, Australia
Tasmania proved to be a bioluminescent and biofluorescent wonderland, one of the most breathtaking locations we’ve ever explored. With its pristine dark skies, shimmering luminescent seas, and vibrantly colorful temperate rainforests, the island is a testament to the magic of natural light. Many of these special rainforests are under threat from logging, it would be wonderful to see Biofluorescence used as a tool in the fight to protect the forests, they would certainly make incredible locations for guided Biofluorescent night walks, a great way to generate income as an alternative to logging.
The highlight of the trip was the Styx Tall Trees Conservation Area, home to some of the world’s tallest trees and an absolute paradise for fluorescence. The diversity of liverworts and filmy ferns found here is absolutely world class, this is temperate rainforest at it’s most colourful and finest.
New Zealand
The temperate rainforest of South Island were the highlight of our New Zealand Expeditions. 20 nights on the road at 16 different locations. New Zealand is home to almost 10% of the world’s liverwort species, making it a very colourful country for a fluorescent night walk. Glow worms were a highlight right across the country, with the fox glacier being a real hotspot to get up close and personal with these amazing animals. The beautiful fluorescent turquoise sticky traps of the fungus gnat as well as the animals themselves are fluorescent.
In North Island there were forests with tree after tree lighting up bright blue from the fluorescence of the liverwort – Bazzania tayloriana. Fluorescence would be a great tool to help discover new species of liverworts in New Zealand with most species have unique and distinct fluorescent characteristics.
