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DGPix Wildlife & Nature Photography
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Fungi & Slime Moulds

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
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1 The spores of Metatrichia floriformis slime mould
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2 The detail of the fungi Tremella mesenterica basidiaspores
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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)
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4 The spore bearing Asci of the Jelly Ear Fungus, featured here with the spores already ejected
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5 Pluteus cervinus cystidia, a structure found on the gill surface of the gills of basidiomycete Fungi
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Rhizopus mould with spores and sporangia
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Laccaria laccata

Laccaria laccata - The Deceiver - from a local woodland under the microscope to show identifying features such as spores

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