Mucilago crustacea spore details please

[CloudedYellow]

I wonder if anyone has any detailed info regarding the spore size of Mucilago crustacea please.



I had little doubt that this was Mucilago crustacea when I found it yesterday. I returned today to find the spore mass had already turned mostly black (which I would expect) and to collect some for microscopy:



These were stained with Congo Red.

The only description of the spores that I can find is in Jordan - 'my' spores match his description except for size: 'mine' are 8-9u in diameter and he states the diameter is 11-14u.

Maybe I have a different species? Or these spores are immature? The figures Jordan gives are not quite correct?

Thx

[CapAndBracket]

From Stephenson and Stempen, Spores black in mass, blackish brown or occasionally bright purplish brown by transmitted light, densely and unevenly verrucose or spiulose, 11 to 13 micrometers in diameter. Hope that helps.

Cheers J.P.

[CloudedYellow]

Originally Posted by CapAndBracket

From Stephenson and Stempen, Spores black in mass, blackish brown or occasionally bright purplish brown by transmitted light, densely and unevenly verrucose or spiulose, 11 to 13 micrometers in diameter. Hope that helps.
.

Thanks JP

That description, like Jordan's, matches mine except for the size. I have managed to find just 3 larger spores which are the right size so I guess the majority are immature. Does your S&S book mention any similar species please?

Richard

[CapAndBracket]

The only likely othere species (and the spore size would be correct) is Fuligo septica, which can be white (the other fuligo.sps have larger spores).

Can you check for lime crystals amongst the spores (they look like many pointed stars for want of a better description) and are found in Mucilago and are about the same size or a little smaller than the spores, and are not so in Fuligo.sp.

Here is where my lack of chemistry gets problematical in that i don't know which stains are slightly acidic, any that are would dissolve the lime crystals so confound the ID.

Cheers J.P.

[CloudedYellow]

Originally Posted by CapAndBracket

The only likely othere species (and the spore size would be correct) is Fuligo septica, which can be white (the other fuligo.sps have larger spores).

Can you check for lime crystals amongst the spores (they look like many pointed stars for want of a better description) and are found in Mucilago and are about the same size or a little smaller than the spores, and are not so in Fuligo.sp.

Here is where my lack of chemistry gets problematical in that i don't know which stains are slightly acidic, any that are would dissolve the lime crystals so confound the ID.

Cheers J.P.

Thanks again,

Interesting, I would have said the texture looked more like the Fuligo I have seen before. I discounted Fuligo this time as it was not yellow. The assumed Mucilago that I have seen before has a more 'lumpy' texture, that was before I used a microscope so I didn't check out the spores.

I will have another look but I could not see any white Fuligo on the internet.

My Congo Red is in ammonia which is alkali ........ I think, so the stars would survive if present...??

Richard

[CapAndBracket]

It's all sent to try us, i havn't found Mucilago yet this year and havn't had one under a microscope, but maybe we can resolve the question in time.
When/if if find one i will try it in cotton blue and we can compare results,
many thanks for your posts it's a great way to learn

Cheers J.P.

[CloudedYellow]

Thanks for the image, I have just found this

waynesword.palomar.edu/slime1.htm

I have taken out the http bit as links to external sites aren't allowed!

I do have some Cotton Blue - that's a good idea.

Can I be a pain and ask waht S&S say about Fuligo septica spores please?

Pint owed if you are ever near Nottingham!

[CapAndBracket]

From Stephenson + Stempen,
Fuligo septica, Spores dark gray or dull black in the mass, light purplish brown by transmitted light, nearly smoothe to minutely spinulose 6 to 9 micrometers in diameter.

I also removed link to the image is sent as it's frowned on, will get back later, must dash.

Cheers J.P.

Oh i was at Nottingham uni two weeks ago, see you next time i'm up there. i drink tea but would be happy to buy you a pint.