One for the biologists

[Tim Pickering]

Can anyone tell me about these thin threads that hang down from the roof? They appear to be like spider silk. My guess is that they are for the purpose of catching winged insects. They weren't near the entrance so nothing by way of light

 

[pwhole]

Are they possibly very elongated 'snottites'?

 

[Space Doubt Caver]

Can anyone tell me about these thin threads that hang down from the roof? They appear to be like spider silk. My guess is that they are for the purpose of catching winged insects. They weren't near the entrance so nothing by way of light View attachment 20664

It could be a silk worm on the roof of the cave, which drop long silk like string that is sticky to catch flies and the likes,

But also as mentioned above it could be a snottite,

 

[LadyMud]

I wonder how long they take to form, and how long they last?
In a busy cave, presumably the answers are "not long" and "not long".

 

[mikem]

More likely a fungal filament trying to find a source of nourishment

 

[Cavematt]

There are hundreds of them throughout Excalibur Pot particularly around the Main Streamway. No idea what they are though so will be interested to find out.

 

[Tim Pickering]

There are hundreds of them throughout Excalibur Pot particularly around the Main Streamway. No idea what they are though so will be interested to find out.

These were above the streamway in Gt Douk.

 

[mikem]

Morphology of the Fungi

 

[mrodoc]

Fungus gnat larval sticky threads?

 

[mikem]

Although we do have fungus gnats in UK, their larva live in soil / compost. The glow worm type are unique to New Zealand (we also don't have native silk worms, which build a cocoon around themselves to hide in)

 

[Pitlamp]

I remember coming across this sort of thing hanging from a cave roof several years ago. I was with (the late) David Hodgson, who knew a lot about entomology. He said they contained the larvae of fungus gnats. Have a look with a good quality hand lens to see if there's any insect larva at the end.

If in Great Douk I suspect the geology is wrong for snottites.

 

[Tim Pickering]

I think you've all given me justification for buying one of those mini pocket microscopes they sell in Inglesport! A return visit to Great Douk in the very near future is definitely on the cards as I found that a fascinating little system that I wouldn't mind spending more time in.

 

[2xw]

Have you tried tasting one? That is a foundational skill of a good biologist. You'll then know whether they taste like mushrooms, gnats or snot.

 

[pwhole]

I think you've all given me justification for buying one of those mini pocket microscopes they sell in Inglesport! A return visit to Great Douk in the very near future is definitely on the cards as I found that a fascinating little system that I wouldn't mind spending more time in.

You won't need a microscope for this one

 

[Tim Pickering]

Have you tried tasting one? That is a foundational skill of a good biologist. You'll then know whether they taste like mushrooms, gnats or snot.

I have an unrefined palate. How about you do it and get back to me? Do it for science.

 

[mikem]

Cave Wildlife | KURG

kurg.org.uk

MYCETOPHILIDAE & SCIARIDAE
"The remains of the adult are often seen covered in fungi." Not sure that they produce anything so long though

Life in the cave - Millipedes & Insects