Snottites are colonies of single-celled extremophilic bacteria. They hang from the walls and ceilings of caves and are similar to small stalactites, but have the consistency of "snot", or mucus.
The bacteria derive their energy from chemosynthesis of volcanic sulfur compounds and warm-water solution dripping down from above. Because of this, they are highly acidic, some with the corrosive properties of battery acid (sulphuric acid).
Snottites were recently brought to attention by researchers Diana Northup and Penny Boston, studying them (and other organisms) in a toxic sulfur cave called Cueva de Villa Luz (Cave of the Lighted House), in Tabasco, Mexico. The term "snottite" was originally given to these cave features by Jim Pisarowicz in 1986.
Snottites have also been found in the drained mining levels of Parys Mountain in Anglesey, Wales.
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