Stinkhorn Fungi: The Caged, Fly-Attracting Oddity

A bizarre, lattice-like fungus covered in flies and beetles is almost certainly a caged stinkhorn (Clathrus ruber or close relative). Stinkhorns emit a carrion odor to recruit insects that disperse their spores. They emerge from a subterranean “egg” and expand rapidly.

Harmless to plants and people; simply admire the alien architecture or knock it over if the smell offends. No control needed.