This morning the wet grass had lots of these delicate spider webs decorated with tiny dewdrops. This one was about 4 inches across, but there were many more smaller ones.
What are they? What kind of spider makes these webs?
I had to ask know-it-all Professor Google, and he told me that these are not really spider webs. The webs are branching mycelium of dollar spot fungus, Sclerotinia homeocarpa, often appearing on lawns in warm and damp summer mornings. These webs disappear when the grass dries, but the fungus is still there. It causes brown spots about the size of a dollar coin, and can grow to cover much larger areas. There has been a lot of rain over the last few days, and the lawn watering system has been working too, so the dollar spot fungus is probably feeling very happy!
Thank you for asking Captain Google. I would have assumed tiny spiders and been impressed at the intricacy of the architecture. I am still impressed but it isn't a 'knowing' build.
ReplyDeleteIt loves warm days and cool nights and high humidity, exactly what we have had recently.
DeleteI've seen that before too.
ReplyDeleteIt seems to like short grass that has been mowed.
DeleteThat's sn interesting finding. I don't remember seeing these but I'll be on the lookout, now that I know what they are.
ReplyDeleteHave a look on a cool morning with high humidity and dew on the grass.
DeleteSuch an interesting though unwanted visitor.
ReplyDeleteI think it can really damage the grass.
DeleteUy que telaraña mas grande . Te mando un beso
ReplyDelete¡No me gustaría encontrarme con la araña!
DeleteI've never seen anything like those before, thank goodness the Professor knows what they are.
ReplyDeleteProfessor Google is a very well educated chap.
DeleteHave you ever had yellow slime mold? It is like an alien invasion.
ReplyDeleteAlso known as the dog vomit fungus I think,.... ewwwww. Haven't come across that one yet, thank goodness.
DeleteHmmm...I thought they were spider webs too. We have some in various nooks and crannies in our back yard. Interesting will have to check it out more closely.
ReplyDeleteNo rain here just HOT !!!
Sue
I think there is a spider that makes a similar web, but there will be a hole in the web where the spider lives.
DeleteSmarter now than I was. Many thanks
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, I love to educate!
DeleteIt's good to notice things. It makes every walk a little more interesting.
ReplyDeleteIt's the details that make life more interesting. See something different and do the research when you get home.
DeleteInteresting photos! I have never seen that, but they look like pretty lace fabrics.
ReplyDeleteVery thin strands but look larger due to the tiny drops of water suspended on the webs. Yes, very like lace.
DeleteHow interesting Shammi, I was going to say if it was a web, a web here in Australia, it would be a big horrible spider.. we have a few of them 😉
ReplyDelete