Cribraria cancellata
Sarah Lloyd
Cribraria cancellata is a 1-2 mm tall myxomycete (acellular slime mould) collected from a well decayed silver banksia (Banksia marginata) at my study site at Birralee in central north Tasmania.
The species is immediately recognisable by the deep maroon colour of the fruiting bodies and the cage-like structure called the peridial net—the key feature of the genus Cribraria—that surrounds the spore mass. In this species the net is a series of strong ribs extending from the base to the apex of the sporotheca (spore mass) interconnected by fine parallel threads.
BEAKER STREET SCIENCE PHOTOGRAPHY PRIZE
This photograph was a finalist in Beaker Street’s annual Science Photography Prize. This highly-respected prize invites all Tasmanians to showcase the wonders of our extraordinary part of the world — which is teeming with science and scientists. Finalist images are displayed at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery during Beaker Street Festival each August, with great prizes on offer for Judges’ and People’s Choice winners.
The Beaker Street Science Photography Prize would not be possible without the support of Full Gamut, Tasmania’s premier fine art printers and long-time sponsor of this competition. Many thanks also go to Pennicott Wilderness Journeys, which donates a generous prize for the People’s Choice winner.