This enormous fungus popped up over night and was gone in a day. I have turned to a photo from last week because I was disappointed in the pictures I took today. I got an early call from friend/science teacher Ellen that the Monarch butterfly caterpillar had reached the next stage in its development, hanging in the J-formation in preparation to spinning its chrysalis. I tried every way I could to record this step, but unfortunately the caterpillar is hanging in a net cage with a clear vinyl top . The combination of obstruction and angle makes it almost impossible to get a clear picture. However, in the interest of science, I have posted the best of a bad batch on flickr, if you are curious. Let me know if you can see it well enough to tell what is going on. http://tinyurl.com/98bkfj7
Well first of all, this is a terrific shot of the fungus showing all its details. 2nd, I checked out your photo of the J-formation and I think it's fabulous. I would just post the photo without explaining what defects you are seeing----I am seeing none----it's very natural and the whole process is fascinating to me.
