Life in a Brain Fungus (Six Photos) (Tremella fuciformis)
A while back, I took a photo of a jelly fungus on a rotting log up in my backyard. It was the White Brain Fungus, Tremella fuciformis. It did not look like a very good specimen as it seemed to be covered in dirt and detritus. However, being the first time I'd seen this species, I took the shot anyway. When I loaded it on the computer I noticed that, what I thought were specks of dirt, were actually little mites which were apparently feeding on the fungus. I tried for some close up shots but the detail is lacking. These were really pushing the limits of my lens as they are only about 1mm. However you can see that they have a shield like process at what, for simplicity, we’ll call the shoulder. From what little I can find on the subject, these seem to be Oribatid mites, probably belonging to the family Galumnidae. These mites help to break down organic matter.
It also noticed that there were other tiny creatures crawling around. These are tiny Poduromorph springtails. Having placed some in a container I witnessed one jump at least 5 cm. Quite a feat for an animal a mere 1.8 mm in length - Perhaps it had a good tail wind :-)
Here's a shot of the White Brain Fungus – Tremella fuciformis. If you click on this image you can see a larger version.
Here's a closer view of the tiny sprintail. It's about 1.5 mm long.
...and the next three shots are of one of the little Galumnid Mites which were just over 1 mm long.
In the next photo, with good eyes and a good imagination, you can just make out the shield like process at the right shoulder.
The last shot is pretty poor quality but it gives some scale. The marking on the rule are spaced at 1mm.
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Really nice article!
I find all kinds of critters when picking mushrooms. Soon I'll be an expert entomologist.
Upvoted and resteemed to spread the mushroom love!
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I won't be poking around in these fungi anytime soon, so thanks for doing it for me!
It's not the prettiest of things is it :-)
Interesting little bugs. They do perform a large task in breaking down organic matter though.
They all play their part.
Nice post, thank you. Upwoted followed.
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Nature can be pretty creepy!
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They are so sound and shiny! And springtails... I think some of my orchid pots have them. But I think I read they are harmless so I let them be.
Cool, jelly mushrooms too :D
It's amazing what you can see when you get close enough. With my eyes I often don't notice things until I view them on the computer monitor.
Oh yea.. that often happens to me too :) Especially some tiny or well camouflaged bugs :p