Recently lots of rain in northern California. I saw this at lawn, here and there. What's this? And what should I do?
A slime mould - harmless, but very interesting critters. They live off decaying compost in the soil (usefully converting it into plant nutrients), and then when mature, go walkabout to climb up the nearest objects (can be plant stems as here, or inanimate objects) to get some height to spread their spores to the winds. They don't damage any plant stems they climb up. What you should do - relax and enjoy the show!
What an amazing variety of living forms! Would never guess this was a slime mould, but yes, here it is: Leocarpus fragilis. Very interesting information there, I recommend reading. And here is a YouTube time-lapse showing a yellow slime mould moving across the forest floor, searching for its white fungus food source. Fascinating.
Thank you so much! I thought it is insect's egg, but so suspecious of the environment condition. Learn something new.
