Bird's Nest Fungus with Lid
This fungus looks like tiny birds' nests! The fruiting body "nests" contain spore-filled periodoles ("eggs"). The nests, called peridia, serve as splash cups, and when raindrops strike the nest, the periodoles are projected into the air where they latch onto branches, leaves, etc. The nests were only 1-3mm wide.
Crucibulum laeve is probably the most common and frequently encountered bird's nest fungus in temperate North America. Three features serve to identify it successfully: its yellowish colors; the "lid" over the nest (in young specimens), covering the eggs; and the tiny cords that attach the eggs to the nest.
Similar species: Agaricales
By Christine Young
All rights reserved
Uploaded Feb 22, 2018. Captured Feb 20, 2018 15:07 in 281 Main St S, Woodbury, CT 06798, USA.
