Excitable May Beetles

Wildlife Wednesday #21

These May beetles were very excited about something - possibly by the presence of other May beetles - and wouldn't sit still for one second.

Glenfinnart

Tree-fetish Tuesday #22

Join me for a little adventure around the forests of Glenfinnart on the 15th of October, as part of Cowalfest.

Kilmun Arboretum

Scenic Sundays #21

Kilmun Arboretum is a tree-ish place - well over one hundred different species, and has been one of my favourite haunts for quite some time.

Cup-Lichen on Black

Fencepost of the Week #30

I was very pleased to see fenceposts and their accompanying lichens getting at least a little exposure in the news this week: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-15017589

Angel Wings

Monday Mushroom #21

Angel Wings - Pleurocybella porigens

Pleurocybella porigens has been considered a good edible mushroom for many, many years. 

Then in 2004, 17 people died in Japan after partaking of an unusually large crop of them. 

Scientists have since isolated a toxin in the mushroom that might be able to cause the kind of brain lesions found in the victims. It is a very unstable molecule that would normally be broken down, but eating very large quantities of the mushroom could lead to poisoning - particularly in people whose kidneys are not functioning well.  Nearly all of the victims already had poor kidneys, and an average age of 70. 

It seems the deaths were caused by eating a glut of mushrooms that are normally only available in small quantities. The distinction between poisonous and edible fungi is not always clear cut.

Who Turned the Colour Off?

Scenic Sundays #20

It's been a bit autumnal and blustery of late - the weather seems to have washed all the colours away...

Green Match Head

Fencepost of the Week #29