Featured Slime Mold #2: Ceratiomyxa fruticulosa var. fruticulosa

Common name: Coral Slime, White-Finger Slime

There are two varieties of this species, hence the super-long scientific name listed above. The other, Ceratiomyxa fruticulosa var. porioides can tend to cluster their tiny "icicles" in a dome shape. The one pictured here has a more random, filled-in placement... looking more like a blanket.

This is one of the more common slime molds, often seen under large, fallen trees after heavy rains. Attracted to damp, dark locations it can spread, covering the underside of the tree in little time. It's been my experience, that due to its mostly shielded location, it can be seen for a longer period of time than many other slimes.

I photographed this slime mold at Mass Audubon's Habitat Education Center & Wildlife Sanctuary in July, 2003. The icicles are really tiny, only getting to a few millimeters high. These slimes can usually be found between late June and early October.

You can see a better close up of this one here. Or you can visit Mushroom Observer and get a number of great shots.

Featured Slime Mold #1: Enteridium lycoperdon

Common Name: None commonly used

I photographed this slime mold at Mass Audubon's Habitat Education Center & Wildlife Sanctuary in August, 2003. It was on a fallen log tucked under some small white pines and cherries. At first I thought it was scat or burnt wood. One of the key identifiers is the white margin (hypothallus) that you might often spot at certain stages as its base. Like many slime molds, Enteridium lycoperdon has an earlier stage that's squishy/puffy before becoming a hardened fruiting body. An example of this earlier stage can be seen here.

Though not considered part of the fungi kingdom, slime molds can often be found in mushroom field guides, and can certainly cause pause when walking in the woods.

EDIT: I forgot to mention that you can see a larger image here.