Myxo for Id please

[Chris Johnson]

Myxos are not really on my radar as I see so few of them but it would be nice to have a name for this one, if possible.

Found in leaf litter on unrecognisable decomposing leaf. Lemon coloured stalk, width of head less than a millimeter, white stellate crystals on the outside, spores, 9.3-10.0 x 8.9-9.9 µm covered in low warts, capillitium with periodic corkscrew-like features.

Regards, Chris

[Pitufo]

Hi Chris

Lovely photos and nice to see a myxo out at this time of year..

If I am following my key correctly, stellate crystals in the peridium could put it in the Didymium group… (squamulosum..?)

Does it have a columella?

Kind regards

John

Further reading suggests Didymium squamulosum is a common species and often found on leaf litter, so habitat fits.

[Lancashire Lad]

Hi Chris, to me this has the looks of Didymium squamulosum.

See: – https://picasaweb.google.com/111975714087456576183/DidymiumSquamulosum?noredirect=1

Regards,

Mike.

EDIT – beaten to it by John! – But at least we are both suggesting the same species.

See also: – http://www.discoverlife.org/mp/20q?search=Didymium+squamulosum

[Pitufo]

I’m glad we agree And that I got the key to work!

[Chris Johnson]

Hi John and Mike

Many thanks for the determination and for the links Mike.

What key were you using John?

Regards, Chris

[Pitufo]

Hi Chris

“The Myxomycetes of Britain” and Ireland by Bruce Ing

It is hard to come by now as out of print. I borrowed this one from the local library for some light reading…

The keys and text are good in Ing but the black and white drawings aren’t brilliant. However, if anyone has a copy they don’t want at a fair price, please pm me.

The University of Arkensas (Stephenson) as lots of good free stuff on myxos.

Cheers,

John

P.S. I have just ordered myself a copy of “Les Myxomycetes” (Poulain) so I will report back. I have seen it before but couldn’t justify it until now. It has great pics but text is mainly in French. There is also a three volume German set on Myxos available with photos if you are feeling indulgent .

[Chris Johnson]

Hi John

Thanks for that information. There was talk of Bruce doing a revised edition but I’ve heard nothing recently.

The French work has had good reviews and I think Mike (LL) has a copy.

I don’t see enough Myxos to justify any expense at present but would still like to hear what you think of the French work.

Regards, Chris

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