Saprolegnia (WATER MOLD) 



A. Classification: 



Division I. Thallophyta. 

 Subdivision B. Fungi. 

 Class III. Phycomycetes. 

 Order. Saprolegniales. 

 Family. Saprolegniaceae. 

 Genus. Saprolegnia. 

 Species, sp. (i.e., not given). 



B. Habitat: 



i. The spores of this fungus are widely distributed, 

 and develop readily under suitable conditions. 

 Such conditions are realized when a dead fly is 

 placed in a dish of tap-water. The fungus will be 

 sufficiently developed for study within five to seven 

 days. 



C. Naked-eye Characters: 



1. Carefully observe the aerial hyphae as they grow, 

 forming a halo about the body of the fly. What is 

 the diameter of the halo? Its shape? Does its 

 shape seem to be influenced by the shape of the fly's 

 body? Do the filaments grow vertically upward 

 and downward or only horizontally? What is the 

 color of the halo? 



2. Estimate the average length of the hyphae. 



3. Can you detect any evidences of the formation of 

 sporangia at the tips of some of the hyphae, and of 

 sexual reproductive organs near the body of the fly? 

 Use a hand lens if necessary. 



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