Glistening Inkcap - Coprinellus micaceus

Description

The cap appears pleated and when young, and is covered in fine, powdery granules that make it glisten. It later becomes bell-shaped, often with a split or sometimes rolled-back margin that is lined and grooved almost to the centre; tawny becoming cinnamon toward the middle. Gills attached, close, moderately broad; white, becoming light brown then black.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

This fungus is found in dense clusters among and around the base of rooting trees and fallen broadleaf wood of all kinds. Broadleaf woodland, parks and gardens etc.

When to see it

Fruiting from early Spring through until late Autumn.

Life History

In damp conditions, this fungus will only last a few hours before disintegrating into an inky mess.

UK Status

Common and widespread in Britain.

VC55 Status

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Glistening Inkcap
Species group:
Fungi
Kingdom:
Fungi
Order:
Agaricales
Family:
Psathyrellaceae
Records on NatureSpot:
143
First record:
23/10/2004 (Nicholls, David)
Last record:
24/02/2024 (Edwards, Jo)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

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