Initially, it appears as a yellow or orange plasmodium, a mass of single-celled organisms that move and feed by engulfing bacteria and other small particles. As it matures, Trichia varia forms distinct stalks topped with spore-filled structures called sporangia. These spores are released to spread the organism to new locations.

It typically grows on decaying organic matter such as rotting wood or leaves so is most commonly found in woodland.

Common and widespread.

Probably common but under-recorded.