Weird Science: Fungus Waves Hello
This neat video making the rounds today describes a fungus that appears to ’wave hello’ with fluttery appendages.While alien looking, this glowing, wobbling, friendly blob is actually many fuzzy Beech Blight Aphids (Grylloprociphilus imbricator) on a forest fungus. These wooly insects nestle in colonies and feed on sap, and waggle their fluffy rear ends as a defensive behaviour when disturbed.
Sometimes their great numbers create the illusion of trees and leaves covered in snow.
Their swaying routine has given them a reputation and they’re sometimes referred to as the "Boogie Woogie Aphid".
Nature you’re weird, but fun.
By Elizabeth Leafloor, Red Ice Creations
