Slime Mold: A Life Story--Update!

This IS a slime mold! The end result appears to be called, stemonitis splendens, which I believe is in the sporangia phase. The first phase is called, plasmodium. I don't know what the burgundy phase is called... See the Labels below for additional names of this creature.

This puzzling, oozing thing appeared on a tree stump in my back yard. Enjoy.

Mid-afternoon. The slime was initially thought to be some
kind of wood eating insect eggs.


Next day, early morning. See how the white "eggy"
material is turning burgundy or maroon or some color in
that dark red family?



Still early morn. Burgundy phase complete--and stunning,
actually; the white eggy material grew into several
conglomerate needle-like forms.

Late day. Not very photogenic, but the end result; Brown

hardened forms resembling tiny volcanoes.