My guest appearance on Flora/Funga Podcast/Youtube: Fungal Zoology

 www.florafungapodcast.com/111

Amanita muscaria season on Whidbey Island

 On my Basket List for this month was the Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria section)

My Mycophile Book Writing Progress Report

 

Basket List: The Lifetime Mushroom List

 

We are all acquainted with the notion of the “bucket list,” which encompasses activities to be accomplished before our demise, and the “lifetime bird list,” which is a documentation of the birds we have encountered. But what if we could inject a dash of humor and creativity into our lives by introducing a new concept: the “Basket List” for mushrooms? Yes, you read that right—it’s time to embark on a whimsical journey into the enchanting world of mycology and discover the fungi we’d like to see before they or we decompose into obscurity.

While the Bucket List focuses on personal aspirations, and the Lifetime Bird List celebrates the art of bird watching, the Basket List brings a charming twist by highlighting fungi. All three lists encourage a profound connection with the natural world. Whether scaling mountains, spotting elusive birds, or foraging for mushrooms, the common thread is our exploration of the magnificent outdoors.

Since quite a few mushrooms are seasonal. Each month I will add mushrooms I would like to see during that month or season. Feel free to add fungi that are around all seasons. I live in the Pacific North West so while home I will add locals to my list. On more foreign land visits I will add those before I travel. 

My Fall Season List for October:

Note: I will be adding more to my personal list. The ones below are just examples.

Amanita muscaria Fly Agaric

Hypomyces lactifluroum Lobster Mushroom 

Boletus edulis Edible Bolete

Cantharellus formosus Pacific Golden Chanterelle

Turbinellus floccus Scaly Chanterelle.

Spotlight: Olympic Peninsula Fungi Festival Presentation: "Animal Mycophiles, Critters that Hunt and Farm Mushrooms."

 

"Animal Mycophiles, Critters that Hunt and Farm Mushrooms."

The Animal Mycophiles presentation is based on Eva Gordon's current literary endeavor, Animal Mycophiles: Exploring the Mutualistic Relationship between Fauna and Fungi. While there is an abundance of studies and books delving into the intriguing connections between plants/fungi and humans/fungi, the science of animal-fungal relationships and their ecological significance remains relatively unexplored, save for a few academic research papers. Eva aims to shine a light on this hidden world of mutualism between animals and fungi.

During the presentation, Eva will delve into three fascinating aspects: Zoochory, Mycophagy, and Fungiculture. Through captivating examples, she will illustrate the symbiotic nature of these relationships, highlighting representative taxa from both invertebrates and vertebrates—the two major groups within the Kingdom Animalia.

Join Eva on an illuminating journey as she uncovers the intricate web of interactions between animals and fungi. From animals unwittingly transporting fungi to their desired destinations (Zoochory), to the consumption of fungi as a vital part of an animal’s diet (Mycophagy), and even the fascinating cultivation of fungi by animals (Fungiculture), this presentation will reveal the marvels of animal fungal mutualism. Prepare to expand your understanding of the natural world and discover the ecological importance of these captivating relationships.

For more information on Eva and more presenters, festival information and more, visit our website - www.opfungifestival.com

Mnemonic Myxomycetes (slime molds) Monday

Slime molds are not Fungi, they are Myxomycetes, but since they are cool and I found a few on a foray I thought I would play mnemonics with the scientific name. 

Lycogala epidendrum

Common Name: Wolf's Milk

The word Lycogala epidendrum consists of two parts: "Lycogala" and "epidendrum." Let's break down the word roots:

"Lycogala": The word root "lyco-" is derived from the Greek word "lykos," meaning "wolf." In scientific terminology, "lyco-" is often used to denote "wolf" or "wolf-like." However, it's important to note that the term "Lycogala" is not directly related to wolves but is rather the genus name of a slime mold.

"Epidendrum": The word root "epi-" is derived from the Greek word "epi," meaning "on" or "upon." The root "dendr-" is derived from the Greek word "dendron," meaning "tree." Therefore, "epidendrum" can be interpreted as "upon a tree" or "on a tree."

In summary, "Lycogala epidendrum" refers to a type of slime mold that typically grows on or near trees.

 

 Okay, here is my funny sentence: like a gala epi den (and) drum. However knowing the word lykos means wolf and thinkin of a wolf attending a gala, the genus was simple to remember. Knowing that epi means on or upon and the word root for tree is dendron makes the species epithet easy to learn as well. Now I can imagine that a wolf likes to drink milk with a taint of pink in it seals the deal for the common name: Wolf's Milk Slime Mold.

Fuligo septica

Common Name: Dog's Vomit Slime Mold

If you have ever owned a dog and he/she eats grass the vomit is often yellow so I totally get the common name.

Fuligo septica is the scientific name for a type of slime mold commonly known as "dog vomit slime mold" or "scrambled egg slime." Let's break down the word roots:

"Fuligo": The word root "fuligo" comes from the Latin word for "soot" or "smoke." It refers to the dark or soot-like appearance of the mature fruiting body of the slime mold.

"Septica": The word root "septica" is derived from the Latin word "septicus," meaning "putrid" or "infected." This term reflects the odor emitted by the slime mold when it releases spores.

In summary, "Fuligo septica" describes a species of slime mold characterized by its dark, soot-like appearance and the putrid odor it produces. It is often found growing on decaying organic matter, such as wood chips, mulch, or leaf litter.

My mnemonic is Fool ego (is) septic(a), okay so it's a stretch but it works for me. 

Terrestrial Gastropods: The Connoisseurs of Fungal Delights!

 Video by Jennifer Hall and Daughter Elle

Snail munching on a Mushroom

A whimsical look at snail and slug mycophagy and their beauty.

Welcome, fellow nature enthusiasts, to a quirky and fascinating world of slimy epicures! Today, we delve into the peculiar realm of snail and slug mycophagy (consumer of fungi). These gastropods elevate their dining experiences to extraordinary levels. Join me as we explore the delectable world of fungi through the antenna of our slimy friends. These culinary sleuths are masters at locating the finest fungi feasts. Armed with their weed-whacker-scraper tongue, the radula, their voracious appetites and  keen sense of smell, our gastropod friends embark on a gastronomic adventure.

As mycophagists, they indulge in a myriad of mushroom species with unrivaled gusto. They relish the earthy flavors of porcini, dance with delight at the hint of truffle aroma, and savor the delicate nuances of shiitake. These gastropods take the term "slow food movement" to a whole new level, appreciating every nibble as if it were a symphony of flavors exploding on their slimy palates.

Snails and slugs are unsung heroes in the world of fungal spore dispersal? It’s zoochory (seed and spore dispersal by animals) gone wild. They may be slow moving but they get the job done.

When snails and slugs crawl around, they inadvertently pick up fungal spores on their slimy bodies, helping spread spores. Better yet, the spores can even survive the digestive juices of snail/slug digestion. Fungal spores are dispersed via their feces. The fungi benefit from the snails and slugs pooping out their spores to new environments, increasing their chances of survival and reproduction. And in return, the snails and slugs get a meal, munching on tasty fungi along the way. It's a win-win situation! Or as we naturalists call, a mutualistic relationship.

Please enjoy the photographs below of terrestrial gastropods enjoying mushrooms by nature photographer Rand Workman.