slime mould?

[IanS]

hi
Been to the New Forest recently and came across a very odd organism. I think its a slime mould but am really not sure. Anyone know what it is?



Thanks!

[Lancashire Lad]

Hi Ian,

It is a definitely slime mould.

It looks slightly long and thin for an Arcyria sp. but it also looks a little short & stubby for a Stemonitis sp.

But from my limited experience, I would say it will be a species of one or the other. (My best guess would be one of the Arcyria's).

Regards,
Mike.

[IanS]

Thanks for the pointers Mike.
I only decided it was probably a slime mould yesterday! Nice to get it confirmed.

[Alantb]

Hi Ian; if the colour is right, it could be Stemonitopsis typhina, which is described as 2-5 mm tall, lilac grey with a stalk 0.5 to 2.0 mm. The all-knowing Bruce Ing's book says it is 'very common' . . usually on rotten wood. I looked it up in Google Images and it looks right but of course you can't always tell from pictures.
Only a guess, Alan

[IanS]

Thanks for the info Alan.
I'd say the colour in the pic is not as purple as in real life.

There was a second species of slime mould growing on the same piece of rotting tree. This was a small white spp. but my photos aren't terribly good of this one....