I recently went on a wildlife photography excursion in the Ouachita National Forest in Arkansas, and to my surprise, I walked upon a unique and beautiful fungus known as Calostoma Lutescens. As an avid nature enthusiast, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to capture its unique features through my lens.
Calostoma Lutescens, also known as the yellow-stalked puffball, is a fairly common species of fungus found in the southern Appalachian region. However, it is relatively uncommon to come across this species in the Ouachita National Forest, which made my discovery all the more exciting.
At first, I had no idea what I was looking at. However, thanks to the power of social media and the supportive community on Flickr, I was quickly able to identify the species. It’s always fascinating to learn about new species and expand my knowledge of the natural world.
The Calostoma Lutescens has a distinctive appearance, with its bright yellow stalk and spherical, spiky fruiting body. The fruiting body of the fungus contains spores that are dispersed by the wind, which helps to propagate the species.
It’s important to note that while the Calostoma Lutescens is not considered to be toxic, it’s not typically used for culinary purposes either. As with all wild mushrooms and fungi, it’s essential to exercise caution and seek expert advice before consuming any unfamiliar species.
Overall, my encounter with the Calostoma Lutescens was a highlight of my wildlife photography expedition. It’s always thrilling to come across a new and fascinating species in its natural habitat, and I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to capture its beauty through my lens.
Gear Used:
- Camera: Fujifilm X-T3
- Lens: Fujifilm XF18-55mmF2.8-4 R LM OIS
Technical:
- Location: Ouachita National Forest (Arkansas)
- Date and Time Taken: December 16, 2018 (09:43 A.M.)
- Aperture Priority
- Aperture: f8.0
- Shutter speed: 1/14 sec. (as determined by the camera)
- ISO: 160
- Focal Length: 55 mm