Saccobolus -  Asci

The youngest ascus is in the middle and the ascospores are colourless (hyaline).  As they age, the ascospores become thick-walled and deep purple to protect them from solar irradiation. Note that the ascospores are in a tight arrangement inside the ascus. In this species the asci are shot of  together in a clump.   The extra weight of the 'missile' allows it to be discharged a greater distance possibly up to 60 cm.   Since it is a coprophilous fungus this is a distince advantage in assisting the spores to hit plant food sources at some distance from the fecal droppings of the herbivore.