Otter Crabbing Along the Shore

Crested Coral Fungus

Clavulina coralloides - Crested Coral Fungus

An unusually neat, near circular patch of crested coral fungus.

Clavulina coralloides - Crested Coral Fungus

Where the Wild Fenceposts Roam

Fencepost of the Week #164

Laccria bicolor

This is Laccaria bicolor - one of the deceivers. Its distinguishing characteristic is the purple down covering the lower part of its stipe.

It grows on nutrient poor, acidic soils and has recently been observed killing and digesting insects (springtails in particular.)  It absorbs nitrogen from the springtails and trades it for carbon with neighbouring trees via ecto-mycorrhizal connections.

Here is a clear (if slightly sensationalist) description of the discovery.

Lactarius chrysorrheus

Lactarius chrysorrheus

Lactarius chrysorrheus is a milkcap that grows under oaks and exudes yellow milk.

Adder Newborns

I saw this adder mating back in May. Since then it has been basking in the same place most days. Then this morning there were three baby adders curled up in the grass next to it!

For 1-day olds, they are pretty adventurous...

 ...but still make time for snuggles.

Not Living Up To Expectations

Fencepost of the Week #163

This fencepost failing to contribute fully, but doing it with style.

Young Adder Sloughing

I was lucky enough to come across this yearling adder shedding its skin in the rain today. ^_^

Blue Train Millipede

This is Parafontaria tonomineai - ミドリババヤスデ - a rather splendid blue millipede from Japan.

Alder Bracket Droplets

Inonotus radiatus - alder bracket

Lovely droplets on some fresh Inonotus radiatus fruiting bodies!

Inonotus radiatus - alder bracket

...and a more typical set of Inonotus radiatus brackets:

Inonotus radiatus - alder bracket

New Zealand native Chanterelles

Cantharellus wellingtoniensis

Native to New Zealand's forests, Cantharellus wellingoniensis is smaller and paler, but still quite similar to the European Cantharellus cibarius.

Soggy Trails

Fencepost of the Week #162

Come walk the soggy trails! #Argyll

Pluteus Salicinus

Pluteus salicinus

Pluteus salicinus - rather like a deer mushroom - P. cervinus - but smaller, paler, greyer and with a tufty, felt-like texture near the center of the cap. Grows in damp places.

Pincushion Peaks

Fencepost of the Week #161