Slime Mold Time Lapse - with Sparkles!

We're entering the dark days of winter, when any shine or sparkle is a welcome addition to life. Sometimes, that longed-for sparkle can be found in unexpected places.

When we found this slime mold on a big downed log, I thought there were three different species (see the first three pictures). I collected some of each, and in a few days, they all matured to the same lovely, iridescent sparkle balls, the rarely found (for me, anyway) and delightful Lamproderma! The genus name means shining skin; you'll see why if you keep scrolling! I think this is Lamproderma columbinum*. The full development took about a week to record.

Developing Lamproderma
 No stalks

Developing Lamproderma
 Lightbulb moment!

Developing Lamproderma
 Getting round

Developing Lamproderma
Pink and pretty

Developing Lamproderma
Getting darker

Lamproderma
And darker

Lamproderma
Mature Lamproderma - so sparkly!

Lamproderma
More sparkles!

And now it is time to go out and find more sparkles; fill your world with them!


*For the true slime mold nerds, here are the spores and details of the peridium (outer layer of the sphere).
Lamproderma spores
Lamproderma spores & peridium



Location: Taylor Creek & Trail, 68th Ave S. &, Holyoke Way S S, Seattle, WA 98178, USA

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