This is one of the few slime moulds I know by name, it being relatively easy to identify on sight. If anyone knows why it's called that I'd love to know!
Another slime mold I've seen a lot on my dash that I finally encountered in the wild!
Slime molds are not fungi, but exist in their plasmodial stage as single celled ameoba-like organisms that phagocytize (engulf and digest) fungal/plant spores, bacteria, and protozoans. When conditions are right, these individuals use chemical signals to aggregate, forming the fruiting bodies shown here! Upon maturity, the paste inside these fruiting bodies becomes a mass of spores.
Slime molds are so whacky and interesting! Such a unique form of life.
Alright I'm so behind but anyways this is inspired by wolf's milk slime mold for day inktober 10 and all the...interesting...shapes you can find them in 😈 ink & watercolor in moleskine 🍄