The Myxomycetes of the Miami Valley, Ohio

Delve into a meticulous survey of the humble yet fascinating slime molds that carpet the forests and fields of Ohio’s Miami Valley. Drawing on an extensive personal collection of over a hundred species, the author blends careful field observations with comparative studies from across the United States and Europe, offering clear, organized accounts of each group’s distinctive forms and life cycles. Detailed descriptions illuminate how these microscopic organisms transition from wandering swarm cells to sprawling plasmodia, and finally to the delicate sporangia that release their spores.

Beyond taxonomy, the work paints vivid pictures of the slime molds’ often‑bright colors, intricate vein‑like networks, and the subtle structures that set families apart. Illustrated plates accompany the text, guiding listeners through the subtle variations in shape and surface texture that define each species. Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or simply curious about the hidden world thriving on decaying plant matter, this study opens a window onto an overlooked corner of nature’s diversity.