Slime mould spores. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of spores (egg-shaped, green) of the slime mould Trichia decipiens var. olivacea. The spores are associated with a mass of thread- like structures (grey), collectively known as the capillitium. Changing moisture levels cause the threads to move with a wriggling action; this flicks the spores away, helping to disperse them. Slime moulds are not fungi, but a separate group with a variety of complex life cycles. Magnification: x275 at 6x7cm size.