looduskalender.ee

05.09.2012

 

The yellow aspen leaf has turned brown in the middle as a result of the work of fungi

In close view we find tiny springtails (Collembola) on the brown leaf surface. The body length of the insects is  2 mm. They eat the mushroom mycelium or hyphae.

 

The fungi are not only beautiful eye-catching caps in the forest. A great number of fungi are such that reveal their presence only if you pay attention to small details. Fallen tree leaves are one such spot where there is little sense in looking for classic mushroom caps. On close inspection the bright yellow aspen leaf becomes a forest restaurant where fungi and tiny insects – springtails – together fill their bellies. At first fungi „eat“ the cellulose in the leaf. The springtails enter the leaf to eat the mushroom mycelium. Fungi and tiny insects acting together turn the brightly coloured leaf-fall of autumn into soil.