Fungi Tetraptych

4 parts to the image for the 4 parts of the life cycle - as shown left to right. Dorothy (@nobled) has kindly identified our unknown fungus as a "Bird's Nest" fungus - what a fitting name!! After checking them out pretty closely we think we have figured out what is going on. They start life as small hairy blobs which then seem to toughen up and form a harder, whitish cap on the top. This then eventually tears off to reveal the spore capsules inside (the "bird's eggs"). As the spores are released the eggs become smaller and finally disappear - leaving behind the empty cup or "nest" All of the stages are only about 5mm across. I didn't split the tetraptych into 4 sections - I felt it needed to flow across the page. :)

[Sarah]

Really clever. Love it

[Rob Z]

@sarahlth Thanks Sarah - it was good to be able to get them all in sequence - we've had more rain so more appeared. Thanks for your nice comment!

[Suzanne]

So very well done, it's nice to know what it is too

[Taffy]

It's really fascinating to see the range of stages, each with its own look.

[Ann H. LeFevre]

I really like how you blended the different stages into one continuous story. Fascinating little fungus!

[summerfield]

they look like mini cupcakes!

[Rob Z]

@suzanne234 Thanks Suzanne - they have been so interesting to watch.

[Rob Z]

@taffy Thanks Taffy - they do seem to have more definite, separate stages then any of our other fungi. Most interesting! Cheers Rob

[Rob Z]

@olivetreeann Thanks Ann - especially for your comment about the continuity. It may not actually qualify as a tetraptych without the divisions - but it seemed a shame to separate them.

[Rob Z]

@summerfield How true - tiny, little ones - especially the empty ones. :)

[Brigette]

they do look like mini cupcakes!!

[Joanna kate]

How fascinating, never seen these before, fav

[Rob Z]

@brigette Funny little things aren't they. We haven't noticed them before - but there are hundreds on our forest path at the moment. Thanks or your interest.

[Rob Z]

@joannakate Hi Joanna - w'ere pretty avid fungi fans and we had never noticed them before either. They are most interesting and seem to have quite a complicated life cycle. Thanks for having a look. Cheers Rob

[Granagringa]

This is beautiful,imho...and I love all the techniques you use.

[Rob Z]

@granagringa Thanks Madelaine - I had such great subject matter - these fungi are awesome!! We've never seen them before so it took a bit of studying to figure out what was going on. My new favourite fungi!!! Cheers :)