MYXOMYCETE XXIII Metatrichia vesparium

[Walter Piorkowski]

Top image: United cluster of fruiting body still sealed.
Horizontal FOV 5mm
Canon 10D
Canon 20 mm Macro on tubes @ f/5.6
75 images at .001 inch increments


Middle image: Breaking open at seam to release spores.
Horizontal FOV 3mm
Canon 10D
Canon 20 mm Macro on tubes @ f/5.6
42 images at .001 inch increments

Bottom Image: Capillitium ejected, spores released onto substrate.
Horizontal FOV 5mm
Canon 10D
Canon 20 mm Macro on tubes @ f/5.6
73 images at .001 inch increments

All images proceed in Combine ZM and Photoshop.


I have been too busy to post lately but more myxos are in my lab so… I don’t think that Ken will challenge my identification of this myxo. It is quite distinctive in its shape, color and grouping. Well dried and into spore release this is a relatively common myxo that I find every few years.

Walt

[jmlphoto]

i love number one even though i dont know what it is.

[Ken Ramos]

You got it Walt, no challange here on this one. Myxo hunting in my area for this year has pretty much finished, well maybe. If we can get some rain in here I might could salvage a few. Great images!

[beetleman]

Simply Amazing pictures Walt. Excellent series. I to like the first pic, sorta looks like a group of eyeballs

[Walter Piorkowski]

Thanks guys. Looks like the verdict is in, people prefer the fresher myxos over the dried dehiscencing specimens. Keep looking Ken especially on the under side of logs and on hollowed out areas of larger trees.
Walt

[Bruce Williams]

As always, truly excellent images Walt. Myxos have a real "other world" quality to them when photograped with such beautiful close-up detail.

Bruce

[Walter Piorkowski]

Thank you Bruce. I'm glad you enjoy the images.
Walt