Brilliant white, tapioca slime mould - in need of ID pls.

[Bruce Williams]

Photo taken 29th October in very damp area of Stockgrove Country Park. This Myxo was so brilliantly white that I spotted it from quite some distance growing on the moss covered trunk of a dead broad-leaf tree.

I'd really like an ID for this one so all help greatly appreciated.

Bruce

[Leif]

I really do not know much about slime moulds, but looking in Jordan I see Mucilago crustacea, which is one I see quite a bit, usually on grass. However, I don't think that is your one. Nice specimen though. And a good shot.

[PMG]

Originally Posted by Bruce Williams

Photo taken 29th October in very damp area of Stockgrove Country Park. This Myxo was so brilliantly white that I spotted it from quite some distance growing on the moss covered trunk of a dead broad-leaf tree.

I'd really like an ID for this one so all help greatly appreciated.

Bruce

I hope someone knows what this is - cos I've got pics of it too - had them for a long time and never known what it was - but its so individual looking that I'm sure someone will know?

Pauline

[Bruce Williams]

Leif - Yes most of the photos I've seen of Mucilago crustacea show a more crusty or reticulated appearance.

However I understand that Myxos do change significantly as they move through their complex life-cycle changes and I have seen one web image of M. crustacea that does look quite similar to my photos. To see what I mean:

Do a Google IMAGE search on Mucilago crustacea and check out the Wikimedia.org image (first pic). Unfortunately most of the Google images are too small or fuzzy to be of help. Interestingly the biolib.cz image shows a very different looking individual.

Pauline - Yes it is so frustrating when you can't put a name to something that is so distinctive (assuming we rule out tapioca pudding). That's one of the great things about this forum, not only do you (more often than not) get help with identifying your own pics but you learn a lot by following all the other threads and image postings.

Bruce

[PMG]

Originally Posted by Bruce Williams

Leif - Yes most of the photos I've seen of Mucilago crustacea show a more crusty or reticulated appearance.

However I understand that Myxos do change significantly as they move through their complex life-cycle changes and I have seen one web image of M. crustacea that does look quite similar to my photos. To see what I mean:

Do a Google IMAGE search on Mucilago crustacea and check out the Wikimedia.org image (first pic). Unfortunately most of the Google images are too small or fuzzy to be of help. Interestingly the biolib.cz image shows a very different looking individual.

Pauline - Yes it is so frustrating when you can't put a name to something that is so distinctive (assuming we rule out tapioca pudding). That's one of the great things about this forum, not only do you (more often than not) get help with identifying your own pics but you learn a lot by following all the other threads and image postings.

Bruce

Yes Bruce - it is the most fantastic resource for all of us - and as you say we learn by reading other threads too - there no beating it - this is the best wildlife website in Britain (and beyond!)

I've managed to upload a pic of 'my tapioca' and its gone in the unidentified area but can't find it now to put it into this thread for comparision..........

Pauline

[Bruce Williams]

Pauline - I found your uploaded photo and yes it would make for an interesting comparison - it's in the Forum Images section of the Image Archive. If for any reason you can't locate it, with your permission I'd be pleased to post it for you .

Bruce

[PMG]

Thanks Bruce - I've found it but can't manage to get it into the thread for comparison with yours - I'd be happy for your help with this - thank you

Pauline

[Bruce Williams]

Thanks Pauline - Here's your image from the Archive Gallery:



Looking closely at your photo I think it could well be a different species of slime mould as the individual "bodies" have more of a jellybean shape and I'm guessing are somewhat larger than those in my image.

However one of the fascinating things about Myxos are their amazing ability to move and change shape.

Bruce

[ladyhawk]

Originally Posted by Bruce Williams

Photo taken 29th October in very damp area of Stockgrove Country Park. This Myxo was so brilliantly white that I spotted it from quite some distance growing on the moss covered trunk of a dead broad-leaf tree.

I'd really like an ID for this one so all help greatly appreciated.

Bruce

not too sure but could be Enteridium lycoperdon

[Emma S]

I never knew such a thing existed! Ya learn something new everyday.