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Post by NellyDee on Sept 28, 2017 13:08:34 GMT
Blobs and patches of this have appeared on the driveway and onto the verge near the bridge over the burn small blobs getting slightly larger to big blob almost in line. I did an internet search thinking it might be a slime mould and found this - I quote "Many people suggested slime moulds as an explanation. An algae expert consulted by BBC Scotland was clear the sample he saw was not a plant-like organism". So have any of you thoughts on what it is? Maybe and animal with some sort of illness. Too big for slugs eggs or something. I used a stick to see if there was anything in the 'bubbles' but it just spread out into a clear see through slime.  DSCF1142 by Helen Skelton, on Flickr I am very puzzled. |
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Post by NellyDee on Sept 29, 2017 8:03:38 GMT
Got the answer! from UK Fungi. Puzzle sorted -
Often called "Star Jelly" it's probably unfertilised frog spawn.
from the RSPB spokesperson
"If the animal is attacked by a predator – herons for instance are fond of the occasional frog – it will quite naturally drop its spawn and the associated glycoprotein. This is designed to swell on contact with water, which gives the gelatinous mass we are all familiar with in frog spawn. However, if it’s unfertilized, it is just the empty glycoprotein that is dropped – which on contact with moist ground will swell and give a clear, slime-like substance. "
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Post by rowanberry on Sept 29, 2017 14:35:10 GMT
How odd... and why unfertilised spawn at this time of year??
At least the mystery is solved, though- I was hoping you'd find out what it was, because it's very peculiar looking!
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Post by NellyDee on Sept 29, 2017 16:09:17 GMT
Apparently if frogs are stressed or attacked they get rid of their spawn. I didn't know this and yes seems late in the year to have spawn, I wonder if they do have spawn all the time and only release it in mating season.
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