''Clathrus chrysomycelinus'' is a species of fungus in the stinkhorn family. It is found in South America.
Similar species: Phallales
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''Clathrus chrysomycelinus'' is a species of fungus in the stinkhorn family. It is found in South America.
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Check this out! It's a fungus! Clathrus chrysomycelinus is a stinkhorn that is found in South America. The fruiting body is latticed and has a sphere-like shape, which makes it look like a football's skeleton (if footballs had skeletons, of course).
The drops of liquid on the fungus are the sticky glebae (plural), which contain the fungal spores. The gleba is extremely malodorous, aka "stinky", and is the reason why this type of fungus is called a STINKhorn.
The fetid smell attracts insects, who mechanically spread the spores when they land in different places. Additionally, some insects, such as flies, perceive the gleba as a delicious treat. They frantically feast on the gleba, consuming as much as 80% of their body weight in one day! Unfortunately, for the insect, the slimy gleba has a powerful laxative effect. So, gorging on gleba leads to diarrhea, which allows the fungal spores to make a speedy exit from the insect's digestive system. Gross, but very useful for spore dispersal. {Spotted in Brazil by FRANCIERLEM FONSECA} #JungleDragon #Stinkhorn #Clathruschrysomycelinus
https://www.facebook.com/jungledragonwildlife Posted 4 years ago