Netted Stinkhorn
The way I discovered this netted stinkhorn fungus (Dictyophora duplicata) was the same way flies find it – the odor emanating from it is much like that of a decomposing body. This odor comes from the spores of the stinkhorn – the slimy, olive-green matter on the head, or top portion of the fungus. When mature, the spores have a fetid odor which successfully lures insects to the stinkhorn. They eventually depart from the fungus, and procede to disperse the spores that stuck to them far and wide. Although it’s not too discernible in these photographs, netted stinkhorns derive their name from a fishnet-like veil, or skirt, below the head of the fungus.
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