Over the last few years I have become increasingly fascinated by and obsessed with slime moulds, or myxomycetes. They are the most beautifully strange organisms with the most incredible and diverse fruiting bodies (sporocarps), which are minute and elusive. Their life cycles, the way they fit into and are adapted to their environments and the part they play within ecosystems is something that we are beginning to understand better.
There are and have been historically, amazing and inspirational naturalists, mycologists, illustrators and photographers who study myxomycetes. Thanks to their work there is a rich bank of knowledge and information about slime moulds, as well as astoundingly wonderful imagery available for inspiration. Sarah Lloyd, is a brilliant naturalist from Tasmania and guru on all things slime mould. Sarah has written some excellent books about the subject including "Where the slime mould creeps". You can find Sarah on Instagram @sarah.lloyd.tasmania and at sarahlloydmyxos.wordpress.com
I have been slime mould hunting for a while now, albeit on a very amateur level and there is nothing more thrilling and exciting than spotting and taking photos of these delightful beings. They really are miniscule marvels, which appear and disappear in a matter of hours, very often. They are so tiny and fleeting that I find it very humbling and a real blessing if I manage to find any and am able to photograph them too.
I am attempting to identify the slime moulds that I find, although I am certainly no expert and am learning as I go along. It seems that many slime moulds need microscopic investigation for definite identification, so my IDs come about through a process of research and application of my basic knowledge. Please do not take my attempts as definite identification and feel free to feed back to me if you have any thoughts which will help greater accuracy.