Litttle White (Anzac) Moth

Whilst out on a foray for fungi, I happened across this exquisite white moth, species yet to be determined.

Even More Fungi

Came across a nice little batch today

Some Colourful Fungi

Woke early and went for a walk before breakfast on Anzac Day and found a few interesting looking fungi. The first two species were found growing here where I live, which makes about eight or nine that I've seen.

I came across this pink one which I've not seen before. It has one trait which I didn't note until I'd taken the pic, the edge of the gills are the same colour as the top.

This is possibly a Russula species,
could be Russula persanguinea.
(my thanks to Elfram for the ID)

Then I found this one which was a bit nondescript above but magic from below







A walk in the afternoon was glorious in the autumn sun and I made a couple of interesting finds.

Not sure what this brown one is, however it is so distinctive in appearance that I think it should be relatively easy to identify. I'll post an ID as soon as I have one









On the way home I came across a small group of fungi that had been overwhelmed by a mould of some description. They smelt even more revolting than they looked.









Well it is now the 27^th of April and there is some more rain falling, soft but steady and enough to do some good. Should soon be a lot more fungi popping their heads up so that I can shove a lens at them. I'll keep you posted

Magpies Came Calling

There's a couple of Magpie families that share the space where I live and today one group came searching for worms on my lawn. Both families have young and both are very protective and ever vigilant for a sneak attack from the other group.

"You look that way, I'll look this way"

"Anything up there?"

"Did you see it"

"What are we looking for again?"

Found More Fungi

We have just had 40mm of rain in the past day, which finally let up around lunchtime today. Went for a stroll not long after it stopped and I came across these

Not sure what this first one is, nearest I can find is possibly Xerula radicata

I also came across a group of Coprinus comatus, in various stages of growth.

Numerous small were ones just emerging

several full grown examples

and a tight cluster of rain decimated stems
dripping their evil looking black gloop.

I'm planning on photographing them again early in the morning if the weather is better than it was today. Keep an eye on them through the day and try to follow the fruiting cycle through it's stages.

A Wet Parrot

We had a nice drop of rain here today and an old friend decided to drop in and get out of the weather.

Some South Coast Fungi

As I mentioned in my last post I recently bought myself a digital camera. Whilst trying to work out all its functions and the best way to use them, I decided to focus on taking images of some of the local fungal flora I've come across (they don't move and you can get nice and close without scaring them).

The world of fungi is a mysterious and fascinating one due to the sheer diversity of species. Many people think of fungi as plants and whilst it is true that fungi share many similarities, they are differ from plants because they are heterotrophs and rely on external sources for their nourishment. Plants on the other hand are able to produce their own food through the process of photo synthesis. The ways in which various fungi reproduce is also unique and a branch of biology that is still poorly understood. Whilst fungi aren't plants, many species live in a close symbiotic relationship with plants and are unable to survive without them. The converse is also true in many instances, with plants relying on fungal mycorrhiza in the soil to break down nutrients and supply them to the roots. Phosphorous is one element in particular that plants take up this way. Fungi can also help protect the plant from disease and pathogens. Not all relationships are mutualistic, as some fungi are parasites and cause minor or severe damage to their host. Many other species live on dead and decaying vegetable matter and, along with bacteria, are the most important organisms involved in decomposition of dead plant material.

Most of the following images were all taken in fairly close proximity to one another on an area of bushland around 70 acres in size. I have been able to make a positive ID on some of the species, others I have narrowed done to a particular genus, whilst with others, your guess is as good as mine. If I have made any errors or if you can help me identify a particular specimen, I will gratefully welcome any comments.

Unknown sp.

Gymnopilus junonius

Omphalotus Nidiformis.
It has the trait of bioluminecence and soon I
hope to capture an image of it glowing.

Unknown Bolete

Unknown sp.

Aseroe rubra
This is one of the stinkhorns, which truly
live up to their common name.
They emit a foul odour that attracts insects,
which help the fungus spread its spores.

Austroboletus sp.

Unknown Amanita sp.

Gymnopilus junonius

I plan to post about some of the various groups in more detail shortly as I become more educated in the magical world of these wonderful organisms. There is so much to learn just to have a minor and basic knowledge of the life of fungi.