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Project Noah Nature School
Ceratiomyxa fruticulosa
Appearing over a length of about a metre under a wet log this slime mold seems to have been caught in the act of shape changing. I believe these pics show different stages of transformation (shapes) along the organism. Before any of these shapes begin to appear the slime mold is very clear and liquid... almost invisible. Slime molds are like a single large cell. Nucleii are free to cruise around in the 'soup' of the mass. At some point the mass starts to change it's form. It's not known how the message to do so is transferred through the mass - strange life forms.
In a longitudinal fold on the sunless side of a wet old log within a eucalyptus rain forest.
Spotted on Apr 16, 2013
Submitted on Apr 17, 2013
18 Comments
Oh well heaps to explore around a new place. Looking forward to sharing the discoveries. Actually our first slime mould find was a year ago in one of our garden pots. Keep yer batteries up :)
I can walk short distance but I pay a price for it. I am also stuck within mobility scooter range of here. I think there are few fungi and slime mould here because of the closeness to the beach which is five minutes even for me. Too salty. I am just new at this address so I will expand my range over the winter, Who knows what I will find! I want to find some though, they are extraordinary things to be sharing a world with.
Most of our fungi spottings are within 1 metre of the main 'touristy' pathways in local forests. It's a scary huge subject though. Depending on recent weather patterns something new turns up every day. You in a chair? or with stick? We are finding it hard to get up now (lol) so the extendible walkers sticks are good - also for wrapping camera onto it as a 'monopod'. After good rains check out any piece of damp or half buried timber. Some of the best stuff is small to tiny.
I will have a look although I am not able to walk far. It would be a buzz to find some more fungi and things. They are really exotic looking and beautiful.
It's a good thing this stuff like the same conditions as fungi. We can search for them at the same time. You should find this or something similar somewhere around your area. Maybe a damp gully? It might only last a few hours.
you have some amazing Fungi down that way!
Thanks Gerardo and Jen. I think a very lucky find.
Incredible! I can't think of a cooler series!
Wow what is this fantastic series Argy :)
Thanks Viv and Angel.
Fascinating!
Great find, Argy!
Thanks MacC. I've only seen it once before but it was all in phase. This was a surprise. A new cam is helping :)
Great pics Argy
Thanks Argy,i read your msg,i'll make the changes latter,i'am full of work ,with time only to upload and chat a little :-)
Thanks injica and Antonio. Antonio yours is the same.
Wow that looks wonderful :)
another great find Argy,do you think this one could be similar? http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/207...