Myxomycete spores

Myxomycete spores are produced by slime molds (fungal-llike organisms in the phylum Myxomycota) and seen in outdoor air samples. These spores are occasionally seen indoors as well. The spores are typically globose often with minutely echinate (spiny) or reticulate (net-like) ornamentation. Some myxomycete spores are deeply pigmented; spore walls are thin and may appear partially collapsed in air samples. Spore size varies greatly, but many are in the 7-10 µm range. It should be noted that myxomycete spores are currently combined with smut spores on the NAB website.