Synonyms: Arcyria rubiformis, Craterium porphyrium, Hemiarcyria ellisii, Hemiarcyria rubiformis, Hemiarcyria vesparia, Hemitrichia rubiformis, Hemitrichia vesparia, Hemitrichia vesparium, Lycoperdon vesparium, Metatrichia vesparium, Mucor pyriformis, Stemonitis cinnabarina, Stemonitis vesparia, Trichia ayresii, Trichia chalybea, Trichia fragiformis, Trichia neesiana, Trichia pyriformis, Trichia rubiformis.
Common name: wasp nest.
Metatrichia vesparia is a species of slime mold that belongs to the class Mycetozoa. It is characterized by its yellow to orange-yellow sporangia, which are typically 1-3 mm in diameter and have a stalked, globose to pyriform shape. In East and Central Texas, Metatrichia vesparia has been found growing on decaying wood, especially pine and cedar, in moist, shaded areas. It often fruits in large numbers, forming dense clusters on the substrate. The slime mold's plasmodium is white or yellowish, and it typically migrates to the surface of the wood to form sporangia during periods of high humidity. Metatrichia vesparia has been collected in various counties across East and Central Texas, including Brazos, Grimes, and Travis counties, often in association with other slime molds and fungi.
Wasp nest sporangia of slime mold Metatrichia vesparia on a fallen oak on Lone Star Hiking Trail near Pole Creek in Sam Houston National Forest. Richards, Texas, February 9, 2019
Wasp nest slime mold (Metatrichia vesparia) on a fallen oak on Lone Star Hiking Trail near Pole Creek in Sam Houston National Forest. Richards, Texas, February 9, 2019
Wasp nest slime mold (Metatrichia vesparia) on a tree on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, June 13, 2021
Multigoblet slime mold (Metatrichia vesparia) on a tree on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, June 13, 2021
Close-up of multigoblet slime mold (Metatrichia vesparia) on a tree on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, June 13, 2021
Masses of multigoblet slime mold (Metatrichia vesparia) on a tree on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, June 13, 2021
Texture of multigoblet slime mold (Metatrichia vesparia) on a tree on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, June 13, 2021
Wasp nest slime mold (Metatrichia vesparia) on bark of a tree on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, June 13, 2021
Wasp nest slime mold (Metatrichia vesparia) with intact apical caps on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, June 13, 2021Observations of Metatrichia vesparia in East and Central Texas reveal the species' preference for decaying wood and tree bark. The slime mold was found on fallen oaks and trees in Sam Houston National Forest, specifically on the Lone Star Hiking Trail and Caney Creek Trail. Multiple sightings were recorded on June 13, 2021, on Caney Creek Trail, showcasing various forms of the species, including multigoblet masses and individual structures with intact apical caps. The slime mold's texture was also observed, providing insight into its physical characteristics. The presence of Metatrichia vesparia in these areas suggests a widespread distribution throughout East and Central Texas, with a tendency to thrive in forest environments with abundant decaying wood. Repeat sightings on the same trails indicate a persistent presence of the species in these regions.
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