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Slime flux?? #866224

Asked April 28, 2024, 10:58 PM EDT

Helping my son with his 4H project- Insect Adventures 3… came across something we have never seen before on our property. We have 21 acres and much of it is wooded. We found this dripping, yellow, smelly fungus? on a rotting fallen tree. Covered in flies (not sure on exact type) and an insect that we were unsure of that buried itself under leaves and under the ground when we got close. Wondering if this is slime flux or something else and also curious for information regarding which insects benefit from or like this stuff. Is this bad news to see? The tree has been dead and fallen for quite a while so not concerned for the tree, but we are creating a pollinator habitat in this area and are concerned for the space as a whole.

Guernsey County Ohio

Expert Response

Hello Kristen

I am so sorry for the delayed response!  I somehow missed it in my email.

Thank you for the great pictures.  I am glad I can't smell it. LOL

To add insult to injury, I have exhausted every research trick I know and can only say that it is some kind of slime mold.  I say this because of the nasty smell you describe.  

But I think  I have found some information about what kind of insects enjoy a slime mold feast or habitat. 

You and your son may like exploring the following links:

https://bugguide.net/node/view/13865

https://www.metrofieldguide.com/surprising-slime-mold-and-new-beetles/

I hope this is helpful and again apologize for the delay!  Thank you for using the Ask Extension on
line service.

Happy Spring!
Kathy M. Replied May 01, 2024, 8:23 PM EDT

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