''Clathrus archeri'' , commonly known as Octopus Stinkhorn, is indigenous to Australia and Tasmania and an introduced species in Europe and North America. The young fungus erupts from a suberumpent egg by forming into four to seven elongated slender arms initially erect and attached at the top. The arms then unfold to reveal a pinkish-red interior covered with a dark-olive spore-containing gleba. In maturity it smells of putrid flesh.
Similar species: Phallales
By Paul Dirksen
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Uploaded Mar 5, 2020. Captured Aug 23, 2017 10:59 in De Horsten, Papeweg 36, 2245 AE Wassenaar, Netherlands.
comments (8)
Do know that waarneming site, and all the birders crossing the country based on it :) Posted 5 years ago
“Disgusting, but in a majestic way” is the proper way to describe the octopus stinkhorn (Clathrus archeri), also known as devil’s fingers. This odd creature is a fungus that has a nearly global distribution.
Octopus stinkhorns erupt from egg-like sacks. The arms that unfold are covered in a sticky, spore-containing substance called the gleba. The gleba is malodorous, which is a polite way to say that it really reeks. In fact, the odor has been described as being similar to the scent of rotting flesh. The purpose of the putrid odor is not to repulse us, but to attract flies, which will then help disperse the stinkhorn’s spores.
The gleba sticks to the flies as they feed on it, and the flies then mechanically spread the fungus when they land in different places. In addition, the flies further aid in spore dispersal by frantically sucking up the gleba, which they apparently perceive to be a delicious treat. Flies can consume as much as 80% of their body weight in gleba daily! This repugnant gorging upsets a fly's digestive system, which then enables the spores to quickly make their exit from the fly's hindgut. Freaky!
And, here’s an interesting fact that you wouldn’t expect: the octopus stinkhorn is edible. Although, they probably taste as bad as they smell. Yum? It’s doubtful that they will ever become a popular staple on the dinner table. {Spotted in the Netherlands by JungleDragon user, Paul Dirksen} #JungleDragon #octopusstinkhorn #Clathrusarcheri
https://www.facebook.com/jungledragonwildlife/ Posted 5 years ago