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Bolete Eater - Hypomyces chrysospermus
This mushroom is completely infected with Hypomyces chrysospermus. In its early stages of growth, the mold forms a smooth layer of white mycelium over the mushroom and has a powdery texture.
The drops of liquid dripping from the pores are called guttation fluid. It consists of mainly water and is a by-product of rapid fungal growth. This liquid will evaporate if the infection is growing slowly, but when it grows quickly, the production of water exceeds the rate of evaporation. The guttation fluid also contains nutrients, which is probably why there are tiny insects in the fluid - they are seeking the liquid and/or the nutrients.
Habitat: Spotted in a mixed forest with lots of oak and pine.
The bolete eater, "Hypomyces chrysospermus", is a parasitic ascomycete fungus that grows on bolete mushrooms, turning the afflicted host a whitish, golden yellow, or tan color. It is found in Eurasia and North America, as well as southwest Western Australia. Unlike the related Lobster mushroom, "H. lactifluorum", the bolete eater and its afflicted host mushrooms are inedible.
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