Rickons

Rickons are a genus of small, arthropod-like organisms classified within the order Mesomycetina. First described in 1893 by Czech zoologist Antonín Ríčko, the group originally comprised two species discovered in temperate forest floor leaf litter. Subsequent molecular studies have refined the taxonomy, establishing a third species known for its bioluminescent dorsal plates.

The typical size of a rickon ranges from 4 to 7 millimetres in length, with a segmented body and a pair of antennae bearing fine sensory hairs. Their exoskeleton is a translucent yellowish-grey that may turn a faint turquoise when exposed to ultraviolet light—a feature that has led to the nickname "blue‑shelf lures" among naturalists. Rickons feed primarily on fungal hyphae and decaying plant material, and they play a key ecological role in decomposition processes within their native habitats.

These organisms exhibit periodic clustering behavior during peak humidity, forming small, loose aggregations that aid in moisture conservation. While generally considered harmless to humans, rickons are sometimes collected for scientific illustration due to their delicate exoskeletons and unique luminescent properties.

Recent field surveys in Europe have reported sporadic sightings outside their southeastern forest range, suggesting possible climatic or anthropogenic factors influencing migration. Conservation status has not yet been formally assessed by the IUCN, but ongoing habitat monitoring indicates stable populations in protected forest reserves.

Research on rickons contributed to the broader understanding of mesomycete evolutionary relationships, supporting the hypothesis that these organisms represent an intermediate form between fungi and true animals. As study techniques advance, further details about their reproductive biology and genetic diversity are expected to emerge.