n6 TEXT-BOOK OF FUNGI 



colour, which assist in securing the fertilisation of some 

 flowering plants, also assist in effecting the dispersion of 

 spores in the Phalloideae. 



FIG. 39. Aserde ruba, an insect attracting fungus be- 

 longing to the Phalloideae. The stem and the sheath- 

 ing volva at the base, which originally enclosed the 

 whole plant, are white. The spreading rays, which are 

 attractive on account of their brilliant crimson colour, 

 also serve as a landing-stage for insects, from which 

 they can devour the dark, central, slimy, sweet sub- 

 stance containing the spores. Two-thirds nat. size. 



Minute spores or conidia, embedded in mucus contain- 

 ing sugar, belonging to other groups of fungi, are also 

 distributed by flies, as the conidia of Ergot. 



Many species of subterranean fungi, as truffles, etc., are 

 eaten by rodents, and probably the strong smell possessed 



