Fuligo muscorum on Hypnum in Sitka Spruce plantation
Look out for this slime mold. It is fairly easy to identify, although it might be mistaken for Fuligo septica, which is a very common and familiar slime mold that looks a little bit like scrambled eggs (or dog vomit). Fuligo muscorum is almost always found growing on forest floor mosses. It is an Atlantic species which is probably fairly widespread in our area but there are relatively few records of it for Wales. It loves humid conifer forests.
This autumn looks as if it is going to be a good one for slime molds, particularly Ceratiomyxa fruticulosa, which is a very attractive species and is found in similar habitats to Fuligo muscorum. We had both today in the Rheola Sitka Spruce plantation.
Ceratiomyxa fruticulosa on rotten spruce wood
Apologies for the marginal bryo content.
Those are rather beautiful, so much so I feel the urge for a forest walk this weekend! The recent surge in blog activity suggests cryptogam recording has resumed!
ReplyDeleteFound something similar near my home in Kinlochleven,on Garbhein mountain. Can I upload picture here to find out exactly what it was?
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