Synonyms: Arcyria stipitata, Hemiarcyria calyculata, Hemiarcyria plumosa, Hemiarcyria stipitata, Hemitrichia clavata, Hemitrichia stipitata, Hyporhamma calyculatum.
Hemitrichia calyculata is a species of slime mold characterized by its small to medium size, typically 0.5-2.5 mm in diameter, with a calcareous peridium and a stalked, cup-shaped fructification. In East and Central Texas, it is often found on moist, decaying logs, stumps, and other organic matter, particularly in wooded areas with rich soil and abundant leaf litter. The species tends to thrive in shaded, humid environments with moderate temperatures, typically fruiting from spring to fall. Its distribution in the region includes a range of habitats, from bottomland forests to woodland edges and riparian zones.
Brown stalked balls of Hemitrichia calyculata(?) slime mold on a fallen branch on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest, near Huntsville. Texas, May 5, 2018
Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Hemitrichia calyculata(?) slime mold on rotting wood on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest, near Huntsville. Texas, May 5, 2018Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Slime mold Hemitrichia calyculata on wet soft broadleaf wood on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, May 4, 2022Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, 77873, United States
Tiny orange and brown balls of slime mold Hemitrichia calyculata on wet soft wood on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, May 4, 2022Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, 77873, United States
Close-up of slime mold Hemitrichia calyculata on wet soft wood on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, May 4, 2022Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, 77873, United States
Brownish ball of slime mold Hemitrichia calyculata under a microscope at lowest magnification (4x objective), collected on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, May 4, 2022
Brownish ball of slime mold Hemitrichia calyculata under a microscope at very low magnification (10x objective), collected on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, May 4, 2022
Capillitial threads of slime mold Hemitrichia calyculata under a microscope at low magnification (40x objective), collected on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, May 4, 2022
Capillitium and spores of slime mold Hemitrichia calyculata collected on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, May 4, 2022
Red ball of slime mold Hemitrichia calyculata under a microscope in iodine solution, collected on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, May 4, 2022
Capillitium and spores of slime mold Hemitrichia calyculata at low magnification in KOH, collected on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, May 4, 2022
Capillitium and spores of slime mold Hemitrichia calyculata collected on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, May 4, 2022
Brown ball of slime mold Hemitrichia calyculata under a microscope, collected on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, May 4, 2022
Various spores and capillitium of slime mold Hemitrichia calyculata under a microscope, collected on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, May 4, 2022
Mature slime mold Hemitrichia calyculata(?) on a wet pine log on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, May 18, 2022Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, 77873, United States
Capillitial threads of slime mold Hemitrichia calyculata under a microscope at low magnification collected on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, May 18, 2022
Spores of slime mold Hemitrichia calyculata under a microscope at low magnification collected on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, May 18, 2022
Neck of sporangia of slime mold Hemitrichia calyculata under a microscope collected on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, May 18, 2022
Stalk of sporangia of slime mold Hemitrichia calyculata under a microscope collected on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, May 18, 2022
Spores of slime mold Hemitrichia calyculata under a microscope collected on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, May 18, 2022
Tissues of slime mold Hemitrichia calyculata under a microscope collected on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, May 18, 2022Observations of Hemitrichia calyculata in East and Central Texas reveal that the slime mold grows on various substrates, including fallen branches, rotting wood, and wet soft broadleaf wood. The species forms brown or orange-brown stalked balls, often found on Caney Creek Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Microscopic examination shows capillitial threads, spores, and a distinctive neck of sporangia. The slime mold's appearance can vary, with some specimens displaying a reddish tint when viewed under a microscope with iodine solution. Multiple collections were made between May 2018 and May 2022, indicating the species' presence in the region during this time. The observations provide insight into the morphology and growth habits of Hemitrichia calyculata in its natural habitat.
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