It was discovered that bioluminescent snails are able to exercise a great deal of control over light emission, but the way in which they exercise control over it is still unknown. Phuphania have even been shown to be able to preserve their ability to produce light even after long periods of hibernation. It is currently unknown how these snails are able to maintain their ability to produce light for long periods of time, but theories have been proposed possibly relating it to the way certain fungi are able to maintain their bioluminescence.