Save/Export each image as a JPG. In Photoshop or PaintShop Pro, click File and select Save As. Select JPG as the file type. You can then choose the quality that you would like to save the JPG as. For GIMP, click File and select Export. Choose JPG from the dropdown menu of formats.
Tropical carpenter ants (Camponotus leonardi) are turned into zombie ants when infected by the parasitic fungus (Ophiocordyceps unilateralis). Infected ants become erratic and zombie-like, and are manipulated by the fungus into dying at a spot that provides optimal conditions for fungal reproduction. New research looks at altered behavior patterns in zombie ants in Thailand and shows how the fungus manipulates ant behavior.
It sounds as though your mulch has developed artillery or shotgun fungus (Sphaerobolus stellatus). The black specks are spore masses of the fungus. Artillery fungus has the ability to shoot its spores at objects such as light-colored house siding, fences, or cars. The spores stick to most surfaces and are almost impossible to remove. This fungus develops in wood-based mulches under cool, moist conditions.