A question from a friend...

[WillParkinson]

She loves taking nature walks, and today she found this. She's not sure what it is, and is asking if anyone knows. I figure someone here may, because y'all are total geniuses!

[meadowlark5]

1. Is it some kind of spider egg sac?

Or is she sure it's plant? Sometimes spiders can spin pretty huge webs for the eggs. Have you ever seen those pictures of trees that look wrapped in white cotton? All spiders

[WillParkinson]

2. Her original post (which I forgot to add...)

If anyone knows what this is, please comment. I mean obviously it's some kind of fungus or mold, but I've never seen it before. It's really quite beautiful close up like a shower of tiny snowflakes.

[tonyt53]

5. It is a mold/fungus. I have no idea what it is called though. I have seen it before also.

[Doreen]

3. I think it

is spider eggs also. I could be wrong but I have seen those myself.

[tonyt53]

4. Mold/fungus

[Freethinker65]

6. Mycelium

[Warpy]

7. Another vote for spider egg sac

Usually they're up high rather than on the ground, so the species should be pretty easy to find. Note how it's anchored to blades of grass and twigs.

The spiderweb keeps the eggs safe because no predator wants a mouthful of sticky silk for a relatively poor meal. The spiderlings will have no trouble finding their way out come spring.

It's just really odd to see one in the grass rather than in a bush or tree or stuck to the house somewhere.

FWIW, I love spiders. They eat all the really bad stuff.

[CrispyQ]

8. It's very pretty! -nt

[stage left]

9. I believe it might be dodder

Which is a string or thread like plant which sometimes manifests in clumps. It's an especially pretty one if it is.

[WillParkinson]

10. Thank you all!

I sent her your thoughts.

[spike jones]

11. mold/fungus on dog poop

https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=mold+on+dog+crap+picture&view=detailv2&&id=3DD376E370CDA57DC92E50606E5F0D6E56726CE5&selectedIndex=0&ccid=ZAkjacpp&simid=608046359611114057&thid=OIP.M64092369ca692fc1f2442249d12f637co0

[Rorey]

12. Fascinating!

Thank you to the geniuses who figured out what it is. On a related note, if you see something looking like an upside down carrot growing out of the ground, DO NOT TOUCH it. It's a stinkhorn mushroom and it smells really really really really bad. And the smell invades your brain and you'll never forget it. It's grossing me out just thinking about it.

[trusty elf]

13. ?

[img][/img]

[WillParkinson]

15. Wow! Spike Jones was right!

It *IS* mold on dog poop.

[LakeArenal]

16. Tee-Hee

[Nitram]

14. Fungus/mold mycelium. Much too large for a spider egg sacc.

[classykaren]

17. It's a white peacock during mating season.