Hemitrichia serpula
Description
Hemitrichia serpula is a species of slime molds in the family Trichiidae. Most slime molds are ubiquitous, and only a few are confined to tropical and subtropical regions. H. serpula is one of the rather rare species that does not occur outside the temperate zones.
The species was first described in the 18th century. Italian naturalist Giovanni Scopoli as Mucor serpula, suggesting a relationship with molds.
It grows on decaying wood, with a very catchy, unusual appearance. Fruit body (plasmodia) consists of strands closely reattached to each other, vaguely resembling a ball of snakes, hence the name of the species (serpula from Latin - "snake"). As a result, an openwork mesh forms on the surface of the bark, rotting wood, or other substrates. Its color is the mustard, yolk, slightly reddish.
Common names: Pretzel Slime Mold.
Mushroom Identification
Description
When mature, occurring as a pretzel-like network of bright yellow to mustard yellow veins or strands. The outer walls break down, revealing a cottony, mustard-yellow spore mass.
Occurrence on wood substrate
Whitish to yellowish plasmodium and mustard-yellow plasmodiocarp appear on dead wood, leaves, and plant litter; June through August.
Dimensions
The network of veins and resultant spore-forming structure can cover many square centimeters.
Photo sources:
Photo 1 - Author: Katja Schulz (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Photo 2 - Author: Katja Schulz (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Photo 3 - Author: Katja Schulz (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Photo 4 - Author: Alexey Zakharinskij (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Photo 5 - Author: GALL Alain (GALLA-TAHITI) (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Color:Yellow
