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Martian landscape

Irina Petrova Adamatzky2023

The Royal Society

The Royal Society
London, United Kingdom

"This photo shows a specimen of Lamproderma scintillans, an exceptionally fascinating microorganism firmly adhered to an autumnal leaf in Somerset, UK. Classified within the taxonomic group Myxomycetes, or plasmodial slime molds, Lamproderma scintillans exemplifies a captivating amalgamation of traits bridging the realms of both the plant and animal kingdoms. The slime mold exhibits a striking array of hues, ranging from earthy browns, fiery reds, and lustrous bronzes to occasionally a mesmerizing steel-blue iridescence, mirroring the vibrant palette of the surrounding deciduous landscape.
This species has been documented in 64 countries, and its habitat spans a diverse range of environments, including locations with disturbed and preserved ecosystems, riparian forests, the Atlantic forest, and savannas. Lamproderma scintillans is frequently encountered on deceased leaves, airborne leaf litter, and decomposing tree trunks.
The specific image at hand underscores the remarkable capacity for adaptation and the intricate ecological interactions exhibited by this enigmatic organism, particularly within the context of the autumnal season. It provides a valuable glimpse into the dynamic and ever-evolving relationship between Lamproderma scintillans and its environment, shedding light on the complex web of life that thrives within terrestrial ecosystems. I used a Sony Alpha A7R IV camera with a Laowa 25mm f2.8 2.5-5x Ultra Macro lens to capture the image, ISO 50, 1/125sec, f/16. "

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