MYCETOZOA FOUND NEAR LOUGHTON (EPPING FOREST). 103
D. squamulosum (Alb. & Schw.) Fries. Abundant, either as
stalked, sessile or plasmodiocarp forms, and appearing on
many kinds of leaves.
D. anellus Morgan. One typical gathering. Miss Lister
tells me that a branched plasmodiocarp with very little lime
is probably a form of this species, which is of rare occurrence
in Epping Forest.6
Lepidoderma Chailletii Rost. The first record of this
species for the County was obtained in the Warren copse
in January, 1935 ; it was found there again later, and last
December occurred in both parts of the area in some quantity
and on a variety of leaves ; in some instances the sporangia had
burst and the spores were dispersing when found. In January,
1935, the sporangia had often matured in lines along the veins
of sycamore leaves. The sporangia found are sessile and drab
in colour ; Miss Lister writes : "Perhaps its modest hue prevents
its being noticed often," a hint that will not be overlooked by
those who value Miss Lister's field observations. When burst
and fluffy with spores the sporangia are obvious. The columellae
in a few cases were scarcely evident, but in the others were
darkish brown and clavate, but some did not narrow perceptibly
at the base.7
Comatricha nigra (Pers.) Schroet. On sticks, as it so often is.
C. rubens Lister. In Epping Forest I have only found
this species in the neighbourhood of the Warren. Last December
it occurred in both parts of the area. It was a delight to find
the pinkish-brown sporangia (so the colour is described in the
"Monograph") on dark brown leaves of the wild service tree ;
I may mention that, in favourable conditions, other species
appear on the leaves of this tree.
Lamproderma scintillans (Berk. & Br.) Morgan. Plentiful,
on several kinds of leaves.
L. violaceum (Fries) Rost. Several developments were
found on leaves. In a letter Miss Lister intimates that all
specimens of this species should receive critical examination.
6 It has been found very abundantly some years in early autumn on dead sycamore leaves
in Wanstead Park. It seems to need special conditions of rain and temperature.
7 In this country L. Chailletii appears to be only a winter species Miss Lister says it is
abundant on turf in the Swiss Alps after the snows have melted.