Synonyms: Arcyrella nutans, Arcyria alutacea, Arcyria flava, Arcyria nutans, Clathroides nutans, Embolus obvelatus, Stemonitis amoena, Stemonitis nutans, Trichia elongata, Trichia nutans.
Common name: sponge fingers.
Arcyria obvelata is a species of slime mold characterized by its yellow to orange-yellow sporangia, typically 1-3 mm tall, with a powdery to granular outer layer. In East and Central Texas, it is often found on decaying wood, particularly pine and cedar, in moist environments such as forests, streams, and swamps. It tends to thrive in areas with rich organic matter and moderate to high humidity, typically fruiting during spring and fall. The species is relatively common in the region, with records from various counties including Travis, Bastrop, and Houston.
Finger like sporocarps of slime mold Arcyria obvelata on rotting oak(?) in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, October 14, 2018
Bastrop State Park, 100 Park Road 1A, Bastrop, TX 78602, USA
Sponge fingers slime mold Arcyria obvelata with caterpillars on rotting oak(?) in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, October 14, 2018Bastrop State Park, 100 Park Road 1A, Bastrop, TX 78602, USA
Sponge fingers slime mold (Arcyria obvelata)(?) on a log on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, June 13, 2020Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Sponge fingers slime mold (Arcyria obvelata)(?) with a slug on a log on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, June 13, 2020Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Close-up of sponge fingers slime mold (Arcyria obvelata)(?) on a log on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, June 13, 2020Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Clump of sponge fingers slime mold (Arcyria obvelata)(?) on a log on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, June 13, 2020Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USAObservations of Arcyria obvelata in East and Central Texas reveal the species' preference for rotting wood, specifically oak logs. In Bastrop State Park, finger-like sporocarps were found on rotting oak in October 2018, with some instances hosting caterpillars. Similar observations were made in Sam Houston National Forest, where sponge fingers slime mold was spotted on logs along Caney Creek Trail in June 2020. The species was often found in close proximity to other organisms, such as slugs and caterpillars, suggesting a possible symbiotic relationship. The slime mold's growth patterns varied, with some instances forming clumps and others exhibiting a more dispersed, finger-like structure. These observations provide insight into the habitat and behavior of Arcyria obvelata in East and Central Texas. The species' ability to thrive on rotting wood highlights its importance in decomposing organic matter.
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