A plea to those with a microscope

[waynehicks1]

Ok, so it's becoming obvious that I'm not going to be able to identify many of my pictures just by sight alone. So, as I don't have a microscope(yet...), I was wondering if there is anybody on WAB who enjoys peering down a microscope enough to accept specimens from myself so that they might possibly be identified? I require someone's time and effort, hopefully someone who is keen on microscopy and would view it more of a challenge than a burden. I will pay for all postage, of course.

I am finding it increasingly frustrating, arriving home after a days foraging having taken photos of new specimens and then realising that I'm unable to identify them.

If there is anybody here willing to help me then I would be forever grateful

[Chris Yeates]

Originally Posted by waynehicks1

Ok, so it's becoming obvious that I'm not going to be able to identify many of my pictures just by sight alone. So, as I don't have a microscope(yet...), I was wondering if there is anybody on WAB who enjoys peering down a microscope enough to accept specimens . . . .

If there is anybody here willing to help me then I would be forever grateful

that's a big ask Wayne!

the trouble is that the true cost of mycology is time; we often don't have enough time to look at all our own collections. Melanie has pointed out how Parasola can be checked pretty quickly - it's not always so straightforward - you can spend hours and still remain confused. Trust me it is not difficult to collect a week's worth of 'evening microscope time' - even in the current dry conditions.

I think the safest way to go about this is to make good notes - see FungiJohn's key thread: Help us to help you identify fungi

and then see if anyone is prepared to 'bite' and have a look for you; I have done it on occasion (I tend to spend most time looking at the non-toadstool groups because so few people study them sadly) a recent example was:
black mines!

thankfully Mike had collected material (and it was in prime condition) . . . .

if we're talking toadstools, as a rule of thumb try to collect at least three fruitbodies (not always possible I know) at different stages, once you have made notes - taken photographs (use of a scanner can be very rewarding) you need to dry the material carefully (not easy with whacking big toadstools - though they often tend to be the ones that are easier to name anyway); label and packet it; don't forget that once dried and kept dry and pest free it will survive for decades if not centuries - so if you do acquire a microscope in the future you can do your own previous collections if no-one else offered!

cheers

Chris

PS - microscopy is not always the solution - a Clitocybe you can't name in the field won't become any easier in the lab!

PPS - how are you at flowering plant identification?

[stickman]

Hi Wayne,

You'll probably find people (including myself) will be willing to look at your specimens depending on what they are. For example I quite like myxos and am developing an interest in various ascos, whereas you can keep any Psathyrellas/Russulas you find

It might pay for you to seek out a local fungus group who may hold microscopy workshops - What part of the country are you in ?

Cheers, Nick.

[Chris Yeates]

Originally Posted by stickman

It might pay for you to seek out a local fungus group who may hold microscopy workshops - What part of the country are you in ?

Cheers, Nick.

It's a pity so many newbies don't bother putting in a few personal details, particularly on where they are based - it doesn't need to involve anything remotely sensitive, of course

it might in some cases be possible for WABbers to offer some more focussed help; while a lot of mycology is one man/woman at their 'scope, there is no substitute for getting out in the field with others occasionally

Chris

[waynehicks1]

Ok, so this 'newbie' has just updated his profile, so now you can all see that I'm from west Kent .

Mycology for me started out as very much a solo activity but as my interest has deepened I have increasingly sort the guidance of others. I am in contact with a very good foray group in the London area but didn't get much opportunity to get out and about with them last Autumn. I hope that will change this year.

I was aware before I even asked the question that i would get few, if any takers. So, I appreciate your offer Nick and may well take you up on it at a later date. Excuse my ignorance, I know ascos=ascomycota, but what is myxos?

It's a long shot but I have also thought about visiting my local library to see if they have a microscope for public use, or maybe the local college.

Anyway, thanks for your help, Chris and Nick, it's much appreciated.

[stickman]

Hi Wayne, nice to see another southerner on here!

Myxos (=Myxomycetes=Slime moulds) are a group of single-celled organisms that aggregate to form 'fruiting bodies' in order to multiply/disperse. Although they are not strictly classed as fungi, myxos are generally studied by mycologists as they are often found in similar habitats.

See here for a quick introduction:

Slime mold - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

And here for some pretty photographs:

Myxomycetes of Ukraine: spesies alfabetic list

And here for our very own myxo sub-forum on WAB:

Fungi Forums - Myxomycetes at wildaboutbritain.co.uk

They are often rather beautiful (and sometimes rather repulsive), and many are very common indeed! Most are identifiable in the field, once you get your eye in, but some require microscopy.....

Cheers, Nick.

[waynehicks1]

Nick, thank you for your explanation. I took this shot back in February and I think you might be interested in it. I had no idea what it was at the time, but I think maybe this slots into your field of interest.



Enjoy!

[stickman]

Hi Wayne

It's certainly a Myxomycete, but a clearer photo (and possibly some microscopy) is needed to get it to genus, let alone species!

Cheers, Nick.