Slime Moulds


Slime moulds are a diverse group of organsims that are neither plants, animals nor fungi. They spend most of their life as microscopic single-celled amoeboid individuals in leaf litter, soil or decaying wood, and when conditions are right they reproduce and form a larger, spreading structure called a plasmodium, which in turn produces fruiting bodies (Secretive Slime Moulds: Myxomycetes of Australia By Steven L. Stephenson). 

For beginners, here is a “A Key to Common Genera of Slime Moulds” written and illustrated by Peta McDonald, a Melbourne primary school teacher: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f6/A_Key_to_Common_Genera_of_Slime_Moulds.pdf

A more technical key can be found in “Taxonomic Keys and Plates from The Myxomycetes”, a book by George W. Martin and Constantine J. Alexopoulos: https://www.myxotropic.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/MyxoKeys.pdf

For a photo gallery of slime moulds from around the world check out this one on a Spanish myxomycetes website: https://www.myxotropic.org/galeria/

Further information: 


Slime Moulds

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Discussion

Teresa wrote:
29 Dec 2024
Very nice series

Fuligo septica
Teresa wrote:
12 Dec 2024
Looks very like an ageing Fuligo septica - already started to dehisce and release its spores

Fuligo septica
Teresa wrote:
10 Dec 2024
@KenT thanks for the extra effort but unfortunately that is often the way with these gorgeous critters

Myxomycete - past plasmodial stage
KenT wrote:
9 Dec 2024
Unfortunately I didn't get back until late the following day and all that remained was remnants of a disintegrated slimy mess.

Myxomycete - past plasmodial stage
Teresa wrote:
9 Dec 2024
Noted the recorded date was 13/05/2024 so am guessing you were unable to follow this one the next day.
On looking at its formation and adherence to the grass stems I am suggesting it may be Leocarpus fragilis.
Note, only a suggestion, as we do require to see the mature specimen. Its always best to do microscopic examination to be certain, so when ever you find these its always best to return a few hours later the same day or the following morning to find the mature state.
Great images, thankyou

Myxomycete - past plasmodial stage
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