The substance visible on the lawn is most likely Mucilago crustacea (Mucilago crustacea) – a representative of the unusual group of organisms known as slime molds. Although at first glance they may resemble fungi or mold, in reality they are more closely related to... amoebas.
These are fascinating creatures that can move! For most of their lives, they remain hidden deep in the soil or in decomposing organic matter. However, the heavy rain that recently passed over our region gave them the perfect impulse to emerge onto the surface. Note that the slime mold shown in the photo does not damage the greenery in any way. It treats it as a ladder that allows it to climb higher. istotne.pl has already reported on another representative of this species, a slime mold known as “Witch’s butter”.
Why did the foam suddenly turn brown?
This is a completely natural process and a sign that this organism’s life cycle is coming to an end. The light-colored coating was merely a calcareous protective shell. Under it, millions of microscopic spores developed over the last few days. The dark, loose powder into which the patch is turning consists of mature spores. Any moment now, the wind or another rainfall will disperse them, and not even a trace of the foam that was there before will remain.
Below is a photo of Mucilago crustacea in its mature form:
Is there anything to fear? Definitely not!
Slime molds are completely harmless.
- They are neither poisonous nor toxic to people or domestic pets,
- They do not parasitize grass or damage the lawn – they use the blades merely as a “ladder” to climb so that the wind can more easily disperse their spores,
- They feed on bacteria, thereby helping to cleanse their surroundings.
If you notice a similar phenomenon in your yard, you do not need to take any radical measures. Nature will deal with it on its own within a few days. However, if the brown dust spoils the appearance of the estate’s lawn, it can easily be rinsed away with a strong stream of water from a garden hose. It is worth watching where you step – as you can see, nature in Bolesławiec can surprise us in the least expected ways!