Myxomycete of the Day

[Lancashire Lad]

Just something to get the myxo forum under way!

Nothing particularly exciting, but slightly unusual in that they were growing in such close proximity.

Lycogala epidendrum and Reticularia lycoperdon: -

Click on image to view at full size

Regards,
Mike.

[marksteer]

Hi Mike,
Not seen Lycogala and Reticularia lycoperdon together! Finding both locally but separately. Sorry to ask but are you sure on Lycogala species?
Mark

[Lancashire Lad]

Hi Mark,

I'm reasonably sure.

The differences between L.epidendrum and L.terrestre are quite subtle - The spores are pretty much identical in size, shape, and ornamentation, although the aethelia of L.terrestre are supposedly able to grow to about 25mm as opposed to 12-14 of L.epidendrum. (But I've not found any so large).

The spore mass in mature aethelia of L.epidendrum is genrally grey-brown(ish). That of L.terrestre has pinkish tints. Almost all of my finds have been L.epidendrum.

In this instance there were quite a few mature examples slightly to the right of those in the photo, so it was easy to check the mature spore mass.

Under the scope, the pseudocapillitium tubes of L.epidendrum are wrinkled/ridged/anastomosed, and break up easily. Those of L.terrestre are more resistant to breaking.

Regards,
Mike.

[marksteer]

Hi Mike,
Many thanks information - I've printed it for future reference.
My tentative id'ing of Lycogala has been based on spore colour only
Mark

[FungiJohn]

Arcyria pomiformis found in Anston Stones Wood.

[marksteer]

Hi,
Great photo! I'm no expert on Myxo's but this one looks similar to one I've found locally a Hemitricia:http://www.ispotnature.org/node/643746
Mark

[Wood Wanderer]

Stunning photo John ...

[FungiJohn]

Thanks Mark and John

I can see where you might think this was a Hemitricia species Mark. The ID was based on microscopic examination of the Capillitium, ornamentation (Smooth) of the inner surface of the calyculus and slightly warted spores.

Cheers - John

[marksteer]

Hi John,
I don't do microscope (and not good with camera!) and had to rely on someone else to check mine!
Mark

[Pitufo]

Trichia scabra. Growing on leaf litter

Sporangia with orange capillitium

Capillitium x 400

Spores x 1000