I’ve been wanting to see an earthstar ever since I saw photos in a field guide. What a romantic name! And this one was on my property last week during the rain.
Earthstars are in the same taxonomic group as puffballs and some truffle-like fungi. They start out looking like a puffball, then the outer layer splits, revealing the inner sphere that holds the spores.
Possibly Gaestrum saccatum
The powdery spore mass is puffed out of the central hole (seen below) at maturity, usually by the impact of raindrops.
A 5c piece (aka ‘echidna’, beloved of fungi researchers) indicates size. The white thing on the top right is the egg sac of a spider. I don’t know whether the actual spider on it is a hatchling or not, as I didn’t see any others or witness the hatching. The egg sac actually looks like that of a huntsman, but the tiny spider doesn’t look like a huntsman. Perhaps it was eating the babies, or just passing by. The photo below was taken a couple of days after the ones above, and you can see the effects of ageing on the earthstar.
An Aseroe rubra, starfish fungus, was nearby, with flies happily gobbling up the slime that contains the spores. This one also starts off looking like a puffball, which ruptures to produce the final shape. The spores are carried by the fly to another Aseroe and pooped out onto it, ‘pollinating’ it. This one wasn’t stinky, at least to me, but it must have been enough for the flies to be attracted.
What a lovely find in your ‘back yard’ Joy.
I’ve only seen earthstars in nearby bushland.
And don’t you love this time of year, so many little fungi popping up.
I must remember to take an echidna with me when I go wandering. Much better indicator of size than my index finger!
The SEQ Fungi Faceplant group is keen on echidnas for scale. They put me onto the idea.
What a beauty! xj
Hi Joy, Your property must be a treasure trove of unusual fungi and it looks like you had a fair bit of rain. We are having an extended summer with beautiful warm days and nights cool enough for a restful sleep.
I’m trying to get ready for my o/s trip. Bringing the house and garden in order so assorted friends can stay while I’m gone and I should start packing. Leaving on 12 May, returning on the first day of spring. Not too long before you leave on your trip to Norway.
Cheers Christa
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Hi Christa! I don’t think these fungi are unusual – we just have to get out and look, especially just after it’s been wet. Drying out now, though. Have a wonderful trip, and I look forward to seeing any interesting photos you may take.