Orbilia
ExploreFungi
Orbilia
orbilia
Orbilia is a small, colorful fungus often found in damp places. These tiny mushrooms help break down dead plant material, making the forest healthy and green!
Habitat: Damp forest floors, decaying wood, and grassy areas.
Appearance
The Orbilia is a tiny, often translucent disc-shaped fungus, typically less than 2mm wide. They can be found in vibrant shades of white, yellow, orange, or pink, often appearing like small drops of jelly on decaying wood or plant matter.
KingdomFungiPhylumAscomycotaClassOrbiliomycetesOrderOrbilialesFamilyOrbiliaceaeGenusOrbilia
Category
FungiRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Imagine hundreds of Orbilia fungi fitting onto a single fallen leaf!
Some Orbilia species are carnivores, trapping and eating tiny worms called nematodes!
Their 'spores' are so light, they can travel far and wide on the smallest breeze!
You'd need a magnifying glass to see most Orbilia, they're smaller than a pinhead!
Special abilities
Ability
Microscopic Hunter
Orbilia can ensnare tiny worms (nematodes) using special sticky traps because of microscopic structures that help them catch food.
Ability
Tiny Decomposer
Orbilia has powerful enzymes that help them break down dead wood and plant material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Ability
Water World Weaver
Orbilia can thrive in microscopic water films because of their ability to adapt to damp environments on wood and plant surfaces.
Measurements & details
- Edibility
- inedible
- Cap Diameter
- 0.05-0.2 cm
- Growth Substrate
- wood
- Season
- Year-round
- Spore Color
- White
Ecological connections
parasitizes
vinegar eel
Panagrellus redivivus
Orbilia trap and consume these nematodes.
parasitizes
nematode
Caenorhabditis elegans
Certain Orbilia species prey on these soil-dwelling worms.
eats
common oak
Quercus robur
Orbilia helps decompose dead wood from oak trees.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Also known as
Moss Fungus
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Orbilia edible?
inedible
How big is Orbilia?
0.05-0.2 cm
Where is Orbilia usually found?
Damp forest floors, decaying wood, and grassy areas.
What does Orbilia grow on?
wood
When is Orbilia in season?
Year-round
What color are Orbilia spores?
White
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