Estimated Time: 10–15 minutes
Course: Myxomycetes 101 — Introduction to Slime Molds
Lesson Type: Reading + Media (self-paced)

1. Slime Molds in the City

While myxomycetes are often associated with forests and parks, New York City hosts a remarkably diverse array of species.
From decaying logs in Prospect Park to mossy patches in community gardens, city dwellers can encounter slime molds almost anywhere moisture and organic matter accumulate.

 

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2. Common Genera Found in NYC

Here are some of the most frequently observed genera in New York City, along with brief descriptions and identifying features:

1. Lycogala

   • Known as wolf’s milk because of its pink or purple sporangial cores.

   • Appears as small, rounded blobs on decaying wood.

   • Produces a powdery mass of spores when mature.

2. Stemonitis

   • Slender, dark-brown to black sporangia.

   • Tall, threadlike fruiting bodies growing in clusters on rotting logs.

   • Spores are released gradually through the fine capillitium network.

3. Hemitrichia calyculata

   • Bright yellow, net-like sporangia with branching capillitium threads.

   • Common on damp leaf litter or decayed wood.

   • Easily identified by the cup-shaped structures at the apex of the stalk.

4. Arcyria cinerea

   • Pink to red fruiting bodies with delicate stalks.

   • Capillitium is visible under magnification, often elastic and free.

   • Found on rotting wood, leaf litter, and moss in both parks and urban gardens.

5. Physarum viride

   • Often bright yellow plasmodia; sporangia may turn pale green or gray when mature.

   • Forms small clusters on moist decaying wood or leaf litter.

   • Known for rapid plasmodial movement and expansion.

Clockwise from left to right: Lycogala, Stemonitis, Hemitrichia calyculata, Arcyria cinerea, Physarum viride — all commonly found in NYC

3. Ethical Field Practices

Observing and photographing slime molds in the wild should always prioritize conservation and minimal disturbance.

Best Practices:

• Do not remove organisms unless necessary for scientific study.

• Leave the substrate intact; avoid peeling off bark or cutting logs.

• Photograph in situ whenever possible — use a macro lens or a smartphone attachment.

• Minimize trampling: Stay on paths and avoid crushing surrounding plants.

• Document carefully: Note date, location, substrate, and environmental conditions. This is valuable for citizen science projects.

Pro Tip:
Using a portable moisture chamber at home can allow extended observation and timelapse photography without harming wild populations.

4. Documentation and Citizen Science

Observations in NYC contribute to biodiversity records and help scientists track species distributions.

Ways to Document:

• Take clear photos of plasmodium and fruiting bodies.

• Note substrate type, location (GPS or park name), and date.

• Consider sharing on platforms like iNaturalist or local mycological societies.

Accurate documentation supports citizen science and helps track urban biodiversity.