Curious Findings Along the Trails

 Last week, I challenged members to report curious findings in Nature.  Check out these photos!  We have identified most, but could use your help on one.  Keep your cameras ready as you enjoy hiking about this week and send in your curious findings! 

This Crown-tipped Coral Mushroom was spotted by Caroline while hiking in Rock Castle Gorge.  Read more about it here: https://hikersnotebook.blog/coral-fungi-clavariaceae/

Photo by Caroline Pilson: Artomyces pyxidatus

Caroline also spotted a Virginian Tiger Moth and identified the species using iNaturalist.  Note the wide distribution and the different color patterns in the caterpillar here: https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Spilosoma-virginica .  The bristles on this caterpillar can cause skin irritation, so best not to touch it! 

Photo by Caroline Pilson: Spilosoma virginica

Caroline's third curious find is indeed curious.  Can anyone identify this plant? 

Photo by Caroline Pilson

 

Dottie Haley captured several curious finds during a Site Assessment hike with two other chapter members in the Fairystone Farms Wildlife Management Area.  Check out the Green Quilted Russula found in the middle of a gravel road!

Photo by Dottie Haley: Russula parvovirescens

 

 

 

 

 

Dottie also spotted this curious looking member of the Cauliflower Mushroom family.  These mushrooms grow from the roots or bases of trees, especially oaks and pines, which are prevalent in this area.

Photo by Dottie Haley: Sparassis spathulata

A third find from Dottie is the Turkey Tail Fungus.  You can read more about it here: https://www.mushroomexpert.com/trametes_versicolor.html 

Photo by Dottie Haley: Trametes versicolor

Speaking of mushrooms, did you know that the largest organism in the world is an Armillaria ostoyae fungus found in Malheur National Forest in Oregon?  This one fungus covers 3.5 square miles. Find out more about it here: https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2012/11/15/fungus-among-us-author-names-oregons-humongous-fungus-one-grossest-places  Think about that the next time you see a little mushroom in the woods....