Slime mold shape shifting (Ceratiomyxa fruticulosa)

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Photo by Mark Ridgway

Published on Project Noah

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Field Notes

Description:

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.

Habitat:

In a longitudinal fold on the sunless side of a wet old log within a eucalyptus rain forest.

Reference Links:

Ceratiomyxa fruticulosa - Overview, Ceratiomyxa, http://www.hiddenforest.co.nz/slime/family/ceratiomyxaceae/cerat01.htm

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (18)

Mark Ridgway

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 :)

StephenSolomons

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.

Mark Ridgway

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.

StephenSolomons

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.

Mark Ridgway

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.

StephenSolomons

you have some amazing Fungi down that way!

Mark Ridgway

Thanks Gerardo and Jen. I think a very lucky find.

JenKnight

Incredible! I can't think of a cooler series!

Gerardo Aizpuru

Wow what is this fantastic series Argy :)

Mark Ridgway

Thanks Viv and Angel.

VivBraznell

Fascinating!