An earthstar opens its rays when the air grows damp — ChillScroll

A brown earthstar fungus opened into broad rays on a damp sandy forest floor

An earthstar opens its rays when the air grows damp

The outer layer of this fungus reacts to moisture. In humid weather its star-like rays open around the spore sac; in dry weather they fold inward again.

A little rain, and the forest floor opens one small star.

Source · U.S. National Park Service ↗