Description:
Note: need to distinguish from the similar Psathyrella pygmaea (see below) - that has cystidia on gill edge, which the Coprinellus lacks.
Additional Notes:
Habitat: On decayed wood of deciduous trees (usually large
stumps) often occurring in vast, densely gregarious swarms but may also
occur single or in ones and two's.
Notes: Common and widespread. Should be distinguished microscopically from the superficially similar Psathyrella pygmaea which may occur mixed with it. English name = 'Crumble Caps' or 'Fragile Ink Cap'.
Ref: BC
Based on recent molecular studies published by Hopple & Vilgalys in 1999 (Molecular Phylogenetics & Evolution 13: 1-19), Redhead, Vilgalys, Moncalvo, Johnson & Hopple (2001. Taxon 50: 203-241) recently split the large and well-known agaric genus Coprinus Pers. taxonomically into four genera and two families. Coprinus comatus , the universally recognized lectotype for Coprinus , and two other species are now recognized as belonging with Lepiota and Agaricus
in the Agaricaceae. This transfer renders the younger name
(Coprinaceae) synonymous and superfluous. Over 95% of the remaining
former Coprinus species are now treated with Psathyrella in a separate family, for which the name Psathyrellaceae has been proposed. Except for C. comatus and close allies, all former Coprinus species have now been distributed into Coprinopsis, Coprinellus, and Parasola within the Psathyrellaceae.
Lorelei Norvell (2001)
