Synonyms: Clathroptychium berkeleyi, Clathroptychium cinnabarinum, Clathroptychium dissiliens, Clathroptychium plumbeum, Clathroptychium rugulosum, Clathroptychum plumbeum, Dictydiaethalium applanatum, Dictydiaethalium cinnabarinum, Dictydiaethalium dissiliens, Dictydiaethalium ferrugineum, Enteridium japonicum, Fuligo plumbea, Licea applanata, Licea cinnabarina, Licea rugulosa, Licea tenuissima, Lycogala lenticulare, Lycogala lenticularis, Ophiuridium dissiliens, Ostracoderma spadiceum, Reticularia entoxantha, Reticularia lurida, Reticularia plumbea.
Dictydiaethalium plumbeum is a species of slime mold that belongs to the phylum Mycetozoa. It is characterized by its distinctive lead-gray to dark gray sporangia, which are typically 1-3 mm in diameter and have a powdery or mealy appearance due to the presence of lime crystals. In East and Central Texas, D. plumbeum has been found growing on decaying wood, particularly on logs and stumps, in moist woodland environments, often in association with other slime molds and fungi. The species is relatively rare in the region, but can be locally abundant in areas with suitable habitat and substrate.
Slime mold Dictydiaethalium plumbeum on a pine log on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest, near Huntsville. Texas, July 15, 2018
Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Mature brown slime mold Dictydiaethalium plumbeum on a pine log on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest, near Huntsville. Texas, July 15, 2018Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USAObservations of Dictydiaethalium plumbeum in East and Central Texas revealed the species' presence on pine logs. On July 15, 2018, specimens were found on a pine log along Caney Creek Trail in Sam Houston National Forest, near Huntsville. The slime mold was observed at different stages of maturity, with one specimen appearing as a typical slime mold and another having matured to a brown color. Both observations were made on the same trail, suggesting that Dictydiaethalium plumbeum may thrive in this environment. The specific substrate of pine logs appears to be a suitable habitat for this species. These findings contribute to our understanding of the distribution and ecological preferences of Dictydiaethalium plumbeum in East and Central Texas. Further study is needed to fully understand the range and habits of this slime mold species in the region.
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