Woodchip watch

[NickCantle]

I was going to say that, but I was under the impression that they were tiny and delicate little Waxcap-like bodies.

[flaxton]

Nick I agree with your comment I think it is too robust for vitellinus and it should have no ring. Not sure what it is though.

Mal

[FungiJohn]

Bolbitius titubans (vitellinus) var. titubans is the smaller species, while Bolbitius vitellinus is the larger species .... I think

John

[flaxton]

Originally Posted by FungiJohn

Bolbitius titubans (vitellinus) var. titubans is the smaller species, while Bolbitius vitellinus is the larger species .... I think

John

According to Nick's Checklist they are one and the same now but there are obviously enough variations in the fruit-bodies to have persuaded people to come up with varieties in the past. So on those grounds it could well be vitellinus but I would usually expect a smooth stipe and this example looks to be anything but smooth.

Mal

[NickCantle]

The only Bolbitius I've seen was a small waxcap-like pale yellow, delicate little thing growing in the grass

[FungiJohn]

Originally Posted by flaxton

According to Nick's Checklist they are one and the same now but there are obviously enough variations in the fruit-bodies to have persuaded people to come up with varieties in the past. So on those grounds it could well be vitellinus but I would usually expect a smooth stipe and this example looks to be anything but smooth.

Mal

I know what you mean Mal, I'm used to seeing a smooth stipe too A quick google revealed some very odd stipes indeed!

All good fun

John

[CapAndBracket]

X1000

I squashed a small section of gill in water for above image, (spores may not be mature but are approx 12x8 um).
Phillips does say stem as having a fine mealy powdering which is evident with a low power mignifying glass, this powdering also on the cap, but as flaxton mentions there is some fibrous surface to the stem as well. Phillips does put the two species together and have it growing on woodchip.

Must admit this is the first time i've found it on woodchip and looking so robust, past finds have been on piles of old grass including round bales when the fruit body did seem much more delicate in structure.

Cheers J.P.

[FungiJohn]

Spores 10-16 x 6-9 µ fits the bill JP.

I have found the very small species on old leaf mounds and the larger variety on old grass mounds ... How strange! Maybe Nick can explain

John

[CapAndBracket]

Just goes to show what a great learning resource WAB is, at our last foray on may 3rd, round hay bale left in field, (plastic mesh wrapping rather than sheet) on top, troop of Bolbitius vitellinus (if they are now one species) looking quite delicate just like the image in Jordan.

Cheers J.P.

[FungiJohn]

Originally Posted by CapAndBracket

Just goes to show what a great learning resource WAB is, at our last foray on may 3rd, round hay bale left in field, (plastic mesh wrapping rather than sheet) on top, troop of Bolbitius vitellinus (if they are now one species) looking quite delicate just like the image in Jordan.

Cheers J.P.

Absolutely JP

Here's some large species I found locally on piles of old grass



And some, much smaller on rotted leaf mould.



John