Turn over any rotting log and you might find these beautiful structures, although you'll need a decent lens to appreciate them. Known as the common coral slime (Ceratiomyxa fruticulosa) based on its coral-like appearance, this slime mold species is truly cosmopolitan, with a global distribution (this photo was taken in New Zealand). The common coral slime was first described in 1729 by Pier Antonio Micheli, the Italian botanist who discovered fungal spores and is considered the 'founding father' of mycology — the branch of biology which concerns fungi. #SoilBiodiversity #Mycology #Fungi #SlimeMolds #MacroPhotography #TheWorldBeneathOurFeet