Termitomyces microcarpus, a small fungus that often appears after rain.
This fungus is unique because it usually grows around termite nests. It is said that this fungus lives in a symbiotic relationship with termites, especially subterranean termites. The termites process the growing medium for the fungus, and the fungus helps the termites digest wood and organic material. Really cool team work!
Characteristics: the mushroom cap is small, greyish white, and usually slightly transparent when it is young. The stems are slender, rather long, and break easily. Where I found it, the mushrooms grow in small groups in soil with lots of rotting wood chips.
I took a photo using a macro lens to see the details. Unfortunately, some of the mushrooms have started to wilt because the sun is starting to get hot. But still managed to get some fresh ones.
It's always a pleasure to come across this mushroom. Apart from being cute, he also has an interesting story about working with termites. Hopefully next time we can find more and in fresher condition!
NOTE: I first wrote the article above in Indonesian, which is my own language, then I translated it using English with the help of Goggle.
| Latin Name | Observation date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Termitomyces microcarpus | 07 04 2025 | North Acèh Regency, Acèh, Indonesia |
| Camera used | Smartphone |
|---|---|
| Lens | Macro |
| F-stop | - |
| Iso speed | ISO |
| Focal length | MM |
| Photography | Termitomyces microcarpus |
| Location | Aceh Indonesia |
| Photographer | @bananaklatbarat |
| Link to original | community | |
|---|---|---|
| Link | https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/269754311 | |
| Latitude Longitude | Map | |
| - | - | |
| =4.9786331 | =97.2221421 | https://www.openstreetmap.org/?mlat=4.9786331&mlon=97.2221421#map=12/4.9786/97.2221 |
