The earthstar is a member of the fungi kingdom. Fungi are living organisms that are neither plants nor animals. Because they have no chlorophyll, they can not make their own food like plants do; they digest organic materials for food. Fungi reproduce by microscopic spores which are much simpler structures than seeds or eggs. When mature, the earthstar's thick outer skin splits and opens to form the star-like rays, exposing the inner spherical case that contains the spores. This earthstar (Astraeus hygrometricus) has a worldwide distribution and can be found growing from sea level to above the timberline.