Have you ever stepped outside to see something that looks like a patch of vomit, but you have no idea where it came from?  It might be slime mold.

Nature: Both Beautiful and Weird

It's truly amazing how beautiful nature can be.  Take one look at a sunset, or a flower, and you can see some of the beauty nature has to offer.  However on the flip side, sometimes nature isn't so pretty.  There are plenty of molds, fungi, and even some animals that are less than pleasant to look at.  But everything has its place in nature, and this very unappetizing-looking (and sounding) slime mold, is no different.

Slime Mold Found in Indiana Yard

Recently, my friend Renee shared a photo to Facebook that had me intrigued. In the photo was a yellowish substance that honestly looked like dog vomit.  She found it in her yard, and took to Facebook to have folks help her identify the unknown substance.  Turns out it is a type of slime mold.

Dog Vomit Slime Mold

Now the scientific name for this slime mold is actually Fuligo septica, but due to its unsightly appearance, it's often called dog vomit slime mold. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, it is sometimes referred to as "scrambled eggs slime mold."

Dog vomit slime mold (also called scrambled egg slime mold) is a yellow, tan, or whitish fluffy or foamy-looking mass, becoming dried, crusty, and dark, eventually releasing many, many spores. Seen in late spring through fall; common when it is hot and humid.

Another strange feature about this organism is its appearance will change over a day or two.  Below is Renees with about a 24 hour difference.

Not a Mushroom or a Fungus

When you first find this substance in your yard, you may think it is dog vomit (hence the name), but then it can be easy to think maybe it is a type of mushroom or fungus.  However,  the Missouri Department of Conservation says it's neither.  They do say that while this is an unsightly blob to find in your yard, it has a very important job in breaking down decaying material.

This is one of many strange, humble organisms that feast on decaying organic materials and the microbes that inhabit them. They have an incredibly important role in breaking down the tough materials living things are made of and returning those nutrients to the soil.