--- title: Microscopic Mycology image: https://dgpix.org.uk/hubfs/0003-Edit-2.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://dgpix.org.uk/microscopic-mycology#main-content) [![](https://dgpix.org.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/DGPix%20Wildlife%20%26%20Nature%20Photography--1.png?width=400&height=400&name=DGPix%20Wildlife%20%26%20Nature%20Photography--1.png)Homepage](https://dgpix.org.uk/dgpix.org.uk?hsLang=en) - [Blog](https://dgpix.org.uk/blog?hsLang=en) - [About](https://dgpix.org.uk/about?hsLang=en) - [Gallery](https://dgpix.org.uk/image-gallery?hsLang=en) - [Microscopic Mycology](https://dgpix.org.uk/microscopic-mycology) - [Resources](https://dgpix.org.uk/resources-reading?hsLang=en) - [Moth Recording](https://dgpix.org.uk/moth-biodiversity?hsLang=en) - [Blog](https://dgpix.org.uk/blog?hsLang=en) - [About](https://dgpix.org.uk/about?hsLang=en) - [Gallery](https://dgpix.org.uk/image-gallery?hsLang=en) - [Microscopic Mycology](https://dgpix.org.uk/microscopic-mycology) - [Resources](https://dgpix.org.uk/resources-reading?hsLang=en) - [Moth Recording](https://dgpix.org.uk/moth-biodiversity?hsLang=en) ![Copilot_20251101_202914](https://dgpix.org.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Copilot_20251101_202914.png?width=1536&height=1024&name=Copilot_20251101_202914.png) ### Fungi & Slime Moulds Under the Scope Recording fungi for conservation is essential to understanding their ecological roles, tracking biodiversity changes, and identifying species at risk. Spore morphology, hyphal structures, and reproductive cells often hold the key to distinguishing species. By using a microscope, conservationists can document fungal diversity, contribute to species databases, and detect environmental shifts that impact fungal populations. This detailed recording supports habitat protection efforts and informs broader ecological studies, ensuring fungi receive the recognition they deserve in conservation work. ## Microscopy in Mycology #### Unlocking the Hidden World of Fungi Microscopy reveals intricate details of fungi that are invisible to the naked eye. From spore morphology to cellular structures, this technique enhances identification accuracy and deepens our understanding of fungal diversity. Whether you’re an amateur naturalist or an experienced mycologist, learning the fundamentals of fungal microscopy opens new doors in species identification. Here at DGPix we use a compound microscope with different cameras to capture the details required for identification.  This also allows us to measure the details in a calibrated and accurate setting. **Why Use Microscopy for Fungal Identification?** 🔬 **Spore Analysis** – Size, shape, ornamentation, and color provide valuable clues 🔬 **Cell Structures** – Hyphae types, clamp connections, and cystidia aid classification 🔬 **Reproductive Features** – Examining asci, basidia, and conidia refines taxonomy 🔬 **Hidden Details** – Staining and contrast techniques uncover key diagnostic traits ###### A sample of spore, basidia, ascii and cystidia imagery through a microscope ![54405932895_dc34621dde_c](https://146221889.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/146221889/hubfs/54405932895_dc34621dde_c.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=54405932895_dc34621dde_c.jpg) **1** The spores of Metatrichia floriformis slime mould ![54302655015_90d247c916_c](https://146221889.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/146221889/hubfs/54302655015_90d247c916_c.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=54302655015_90d247c916_c.jpg) **2** The detail of the fungi Tremella mesenterica basidiaspores ![54273773883_471763a46c_c](https://146221889.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/146221889/hubfs/54273773883_471763a46c_c.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=54273773883_471763a46c_c.jpg) **3** Sarcoscypha austriaca tomentum - the features that identify the Scarlet Elf Cup from the Ruby Elf Cup are these finely curled hairs (Scarlet Elf Cup featured) ![54161534125_0a45b1fe8d_c](https://146221889.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/146221889/hubfs/54161534125_0a45b1fe8d_c.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=54161534125_0a45b1fe8d_c.jpg) **4** The spore bearing Asci of the Jelly Ear Fungus, featured here with the spores already ejected ![54161078751_f1be7377ea_c](https://146221889.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/146221889/hubfs/54161078751_f1be7377ea_c.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=54161078751_f1be7377ea_c.jpg) **5** Pluteus cervinus cystidia, a structure found on the gill surface of the gills of basidiomycete Fungi ![53929234311_bc8200868a_c](https://146221889.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/146221889/hubfs/53929234311_bc8200868a_c.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=53929234311_bc8200868a_c.jpg) Rhizopus mould with spores and sporangia ![54094938679_319faffe66_k-1](https://dgpix.org.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/54094938679_319faffe66_k-1.jpg?width=1634&height=955&name=54094938679_319faffe66_k-1.jpg) ## Laccaria laccata Laccaria laccata - The Deceiver - from a local woodland under the microscope to show identifying features such as spores [Explore more](https://dgpix.org.uk/blog/the-fungi-files-laccaria-laccata-under-the-microscope?hsLang=en) ![DW6A9840-Edit-Edit](https://dgpix.org.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/DW6A9840-Edit-Edit.jpg?width=4391&height=2288&name=DW6A9840-Edit-Edit.jpg) ## Entomophthora muscae Entomphthora muscae in a yellow dung fly with associated microscopy to show resting spore and conidia [Explore more](https://dgpix.org.uk/blog/entomophthora-muscae-the-fatal-fungal-puppeteer?hsLang=en) ![54725125086_916ddd3e7f_c](https://dgpix.org.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/54725125086_916ddd3e7f_c.jpg?width=800&height=539&name=54725125086_916ddd3e7f_c.jpg) ## Gymnopilus junonius Analysis of the Gymnopilus junonius, or Spectacular Rustgill mushroom, a saprobic fungus found in deciduous decaying wood [Explore more](https://dgpix.org.uk/blog/gymnopilus-junonius-spectacular-rustgill?hsLang=en) ![Favolaschia calocera](https://dgpix.org.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Favolaschia%20calocera%20(7).jpg?width=2815&height=2215&name=Favolaschia%20calocera%20(7).jpg) ## Favolaschia calocera Discover how this intriguing non-native fungus is spreading in our woods, learn how to identify it, and find out which microscopic features to look for during analysis. [Explore more](https://dgpix.org.uk/blog/favolaschia-calocera-orange-pore-fungus?hsLang=en) ![54895079630_5c961453d0_c](https://dgpix.org.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/54895079630_5c961453d0_c.jpg?width=800&height=609&name=54895079630_5c961453d0_c.jpg) ## Spinellus fusiger Discover this mycoparasitic fungi found throughout Northern Ireland. Take a closer look under the microscope to learn how this remarkable fungus functions. [Explore more](https://dgpix.org.uk/blog/spinellus-fusiger-a-parasitic-portrait?hsLang=en) ![54820960954_260fc460e4_k](https://dgpix.org.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/54820960954_260fc460e4_k.jpg?width=2048&height=1365&name=54820960954_260fc460e4_k.jpg) ## Chlorophyllum rhacodes The striking Shaggy Parasol, and it's distribution in Northern Ireland and what to look for microscopically when identifying this mushroom [Explore more](https://dgpix.org.uk/blog/chlorophyllum-rhacodes-shaggy-parasol?hsLang=en) [![](https://dgpix.org.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/DGPix%20Wildlife%20%26%20Nature%20Photography--1.png?width=400&height=400&name=DGPix%20Wildlife%20%26%20Nature%20Photography--1.png)](https://dgpix.org.uk?hsLang=en) - [Blog](https://dgpix.org.uk/blog?hsLang=en) - [About](https://dgpix.org.uk/about?hsLang=en) - [Gallery](https://dgpix.org.uk/image-gallery?hsLang=en) - [Microscopic Mycology](https://dgpix.org.uk/microscopic-mycology) - [Resources](https://dgpix.org.uk/resources-reading?hsLang=en) - [Moth Recording](https://dgpix.org.uk/moth-biodiversity?hsLang=en) --- Privacy Policy · Legal · © 2026 DGPix Wildlife & Nature Photography. 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